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Obituary for Doris E. Sands
Doris Ellen Sands, 89, of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire died June 14, 2022, in Merrimack, New Hampshire, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. Doris was born January 31, 1933, in North Bergen, New Jersey to Michael and Ellen (Haring) Nunziato. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with dual teaching certification in Social Studies and English from Fordham University in 1956. The first in her family to receive a college degree, Doris paid for her education by working full-time as an executive secretary for a public relations firm in New York City while taking night classes. After graduation, Doris taught English at the Benjamin Franklin Junior High School in Bristol Township, PA and Social Studies and English at Stetson Junior High School in West Chester, PA. While raising her four young children, Doris ran an in-home daycare center and taught private piano lessons for children. In the late 1970’s, Doris owned a successful fish market, The Fisherman’s Net in West Chester, PA, and later owned a retail shop featuring antiques and unusual gift items known as The Curiosity Shop, also in West Chester. She also undertook the restoration of her home on West Miner Street in West Chester. During the restoration, Doris discovered that Marine Corps Major General Smedley D. Butler, grew up in the Miner Street home with his family. Doris secured placement of the house on the National Register of Historic Places and was recognized by the Marine Corps in appreciation for her work. Doris was married for 61 years to Dr. Harold R. Sands, a Psychology professor emeritus at West Chester University, West Chester, PA, who predeceased her. She is survived by her four children, Ellen Kirkner and husband, Robert of Chambersburg; David Sands, New York City; William Sands and wife Lori of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and daughter Anne Henry of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Mary Nunziato and Wilma Andrusin predeceased her. In her retirement, Doris enjoyed ocean cruising, European travels with Harold, visiting her children and grandchildren, decorating her home, shopping for antiques and gardening. She also loved playing the piano and reading biographies. A memorial service will be held later with internment next to her husband, Harold at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H.
