Marlborough – Our beloved mother and grandmother, Sandra “Sandy” L. (Colley) Dulaney, 74, of Marlborough died on Monday, September 18, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.
Sandy was born in Marlborough to Walter and Marion (Agnew) Colley in 1949 and graduated from Marlborough High School in 1966.
For 17 years, Sandy worked in multiple capacities at Digital Equipment Corporation, retiring in 1994. There is a Latin proverb which captures Sandy’s inner strength: “If there’s no wind, row.” When there was no wind, Sandy did not only persevere, she had the tenacity to keep rowing. She created a world of love for her children, and especially her grandchildren, Julie and Livy, who affectionately called her, “Nama.”
Sandy faced life’s challenges with grace and strength and lived life guided by spiritual principles and generosity. She enjoyed exploring the family’s origins and history, and created genealogical databases. In the same way she nurtured her family, she also enjoyed tending to her cottage garden which bloomed abundantly under her care.
Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald “Gerry” W. Dulaney, who passed away in 2014. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their love story was a testament to the enduring power of commitment, faith and devotion.
She was also preceded in death by her ex-husband, James “Jim” Sadauskas, who passed away in 2005. Though their paths diverged, their mutual respect and friendship remained to work amicably co-parenting their daughter.
Sandy is survived by her two daughters, Theresa Sadauskas and children Julia and Olivia of Acton, and Sarah Dulaney and her husband Nicholas MacNeil of Foxborough; and five step-children, Dawn Kelley and her husband Jeff of Illinois, Darci Dulaney of Kansas, Michael Dulaney and his fiancé Kim of Holden, Andrea Eppel and her husband Michael of Kentucky, Troy Dulaney and his wife Karyn of Colorado.
She was a cherished step-grandmother to eleven step-grandchildren. Her step-grandchildren include Mark, Pam, Josh, Jonathan, Timothy, Donald, Helene, Eryn, David, Jason and Victoria.
Sandy is also survived by her sister, Donna Cristo of Marlborough, and many cousins, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her brother, Walter “Butch” Colley and her sister, Deborah “Debbie” Giroux.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 11:00am-1:00pm, followed by a service at 1:00pm in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St, Marlborough, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Sandy’s memory at http://act.alz.org/goto/sandy_dulaney.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Sandy. She will forever remain in our hearts.
Sandy requested to be cremated and will have her ashes spread in many of her favorite places.
For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com.
