Obituary of Joyce A. Sands

Joyce A. Sands, 79, of Cortland NY, went home to be with the Lord peacefully, January 8, 2010 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center. She was born July 6, 1930 in Homer NY, the daughter of the late Reginald and Evelyn Hicks Fairbanks. She was raised and educated in Homer, and was a lifelong resident of the area. Joyce was employed at Smith Corona Corp. for many years then worked as a home health aide until the mid 1990s. Joyce was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Homer and Women of the Moose. Her family will cherish her legacy of being a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who was always there to listen and to guide them throughout the years. She is survived by her sons Thomas (Melony) Sands of Homer, Lawrence (Shirley) Mudge of Pinehurst NC, daughter Cathy (William) Christopher of Homer, sisters Sidney (Robert) Doan of Danby NY, Janice Brangan of Cortland, grandchildren Michelle, Greg, Jennifer, Drew, Joel, Jacob, and joshua, great grandchildren Grace, Emily, and Colin, close sister in law Dona Abbey of Cortland, many nieces, nephews, and her beloved cat Buzzy. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Sands, grandson Lanny Mudge, and several siblings. Calling hours will be Sunday 1:30 -2:30 pm with a funeral service to begin 2:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Homer with Rev. Suzanne M. Block presiding. Spring burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery, Homer NY. In honor of being a cancer survivor since 1983, please consider donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, CNY Affliate, 5008 Brittonfield Pkwy, Suite 300, E. Syracuse NY, 13057 To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. kelly and marc settineri