Sandra (Sandy) Jackson

Sandra (Sandy) Jackson, age 87 of Hancock, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family. Sandy was born in Englewood, New Jersey on November 30, 1935, the daughter of George Vogel and Helen (Lewis) Vogel, and spent her early life in New Milford, New Jersey. An only child until she was 14, her cousin Robert (Bob) Bessler was like a brother to her. Her family moved to Point Pleasant, New Jersey in the late 1940s, where her sister, Georganne, was born. Sandy attended Point Pleasant Beach High School, and was a member of the Glee Club, starting off a life-long passion for music and singing.

Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Bruce Jackson 1954. Bob was in the US Airforce at the time and was deployed to London shortly after their wedding, where Sandy soon joined him.  They lived in a cozy flat in Pinner, which they rented from a wonderful, musical family. Sandy and Bob returned to the U.S. in 1956, with memories of a magical time in England, a love of classical music and an adopted cat in tow.

Sandy and Bob lived for several years in University Heights, Maryland, where children Robbyn and Chris were born. They moved to Hillandale, Maryland in 1963, and were joined by daughter Katie in 1970. Sandy focused on her family and worked tirelessly in her home and beautiful gardens as she raised her children. When Katie was in elementary school, Sandy became a Real Estate Agent, kicking off a very fruitful career in the Washington, DC area. Her natural effervescence and outgoing nature not only contributed to her success, but also led to many long-lasting friendships with clients.

Sandy and Bob retired to Hancock, New Hampshire in 1998.  Upon retirement Sandy was finally able to fully pursue her love of singing and share her beautiful soprano voice.  Over the years she was a member of the Hancock Congregational Church choir, the Monadnock Chorus, the Monadnock Chorus Chamber Singers, the Norway Pond Singers, and served on the Board of the Monadnock Chorus.

In addition to her musical interests, Sandy was a Deacon at the Hancock Congregational Church, arranged the flowers for the church for many years, and served on the Board of the Hancock Woman’s Club as President and later as Membership Chair. Sandy and Bob celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before his death in 2004.

Sandy was an engaging woman whose humor and kindness touched the lives of many people throughout her life. A life-long lover of animals, you could always find many cats and dogs (her furry children) in Sandy’s home.

Sandy is survived by her children Robbyn Jackson Przygocki, Chris Jackson, and Katie Barthelme (Neal); her grandchildren Troy Barthelme, Augustino Przygocki, Priscilla Przygocki Walker, Neal Barthelme Jr, and Anna Barthelme; her niece Jennifer Retterer (Casey) and their children Felix and Cadence; and by her cousin Bob Bessler. Sandy was predeceased by her parents Helen and George, husband Bob, sister Georganne Larsen, and son-in-law Timothy Przygocki.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 2PM at the First Congregational Church, Hancock, New Hampshire; reception to follow in the Vestry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sandra’s name to: Monadnock Chorus or Monadnock Kitty Rescue and Adoption.