Obituary of Sandra A. George

Sandra Ann Brown George, born in Providence, R.I., Feb. 13, 1945, died peacefully in her home in Montville on November. 16, 2018. Sandy grew up in Smithfield, R.I., and graduated from North Scituate High School. As a young woman Sandy loved cars, and was a drag racer. When she was in her early 20s she moved to Maine and bought a 100-acre farm with her husband Edward. Sandy was a farmer, gardener and wildlife conservationist. Sandy managed an 88-acre tree farm, was a Coverts Project Cooperator and a certified Project Wild docent. Above all, Sandy cherished her role as a steward of the Earth and all the plants and animals in her care. From 1980-2005 Sandy raised registered Suffolk sheep and was the shepherd of one of the largest flocks with some of the most prime breeding stock in New England and eastern Canada. From 1985-1988 she spearheaded and led a marketing organization which connected lamb producers with markets throughout New England. From 1996-2000 she served as the first female president of Maine’s largest agricultural organization, Maine Farm Bureau. In that role she met with farmers all over the state and advocated in the Maine Legislature for commercial farm families across Maine. She traveled across the country and lobbied in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Maine farmers, meeting with then-Pres. George Bush and members of Congress to promote the security and longevity of working farm operations. She served on the board of directors for Farm Family Mutual Company from 1996-2000. From 1996-2013 she operated The Heirloom Garden of Maine, one of New England’s largest herbaceous heirloom plant collections, which specialized in saving and propagating plants of Colonial and Victorian American gardens. Sandy will be remembered as a fiercely independent New England woman, who grew all her own meat and vegetables in a greenhouse garden on her farm. She was especially proud of restoring her 1804 farmhouse which was originally built by a Revolutionary War soldier. Sandy loved American history and she believed personal freedom is a sacred gift bestowed equally upon everyone by God. She was a faithful Christian and held special love for St. Francis of Assisi. She loved feeding her birds, she called her three cats her friends, and she recognized all of creation as being completely and inherently connected by the infinite, powerful force of the Divine. Sandy started The Garden of Peace on North Ridge Road in Montville, an outdoor retreat space at the top of her hayfield which features a gorgeous vista which spans from Blue Hill to the Camden Hills, and which has free public access. Sandy was predeceased 12 years ago by her beloved husband and best friend, Edward George. Sandy is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Beal of Knox, Pa., and Diana George Chapin of Montville. Sandy is also survived by sons-in-law Jon Beal, of Knox, Pa., and John Chapin, of Montville. Sandy’s five grandchildren, Julia Chapin of Milford, Samantha Beal of Knox, Pa., Emma Chapin of North Hollywood, Calif., Tyler Beal of Knox, Pa., and Joshua Beal of Knox, Pa., held a special place in her heart. A wake for family and friends will be held at Sandy’s home, 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23, with a mass of Christian burial, 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 24, Our Lady of Good Hope, Camden. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to The Garden of Peace, 512 North Ridge Road, Montville, ME 04941.