Pruitt, Sandra Lee
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Sandra Lee Pruitt, of Coventry, August 21, 2021. She was a very special lady. Our loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was born in Island Pond VT in January 1939. The oldest of three born to Mary Abagail [Knights] and Edward Rosario Cormier. She grew up in Lancaster NH where her parents owned a neighborhood grocery store. She graduated from Lancaster High School and voted “best dressed”, a trait she carried her entire life.
She was accepted at a Boston business school but elected to move to Ct and work with a number of her friends at the Connecticut Mutual Insurance
Company. She lived at the Y with those friends. She was introduced to her future husband, Robert Pruitt, by a former classmate who were serving together on a US Navy Destroyer whose home port was Newport RI. They corresponded for several months before actually meeting. After dating for less than a year, Bob decided he couldn't live without her. They married in Feb 1959
while Bob was still in the service.
After leaving the service, they settled in Newington and had two sons, Gary and Gregg. In 1966, they moved to Coventry and built their home of 56 years. In 1968, their daughter, Karen, was born. Her husband traveled for work a good deal so she was often both mother and father to her three children. She drove sporty cars, like the high performance Mustang and the Camaro, which delighted her boys. Sandy was an outstanding cook who prepared hot meals for her family every single day. She was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest was almost out of high school. Then she went to work at “the barn” with Coventry friends. They worked hard and played hard, building many great and long lasting friendships. As well as those Newington best friends of 60 plus years. The flexible work schedule allowed her to travel extensively with Bob in the US, Canada, and Mexico. They even did two extended trips to Israel where she was careful not to leave the resort without him. Good thing she had her knitting.
After retirement, they continued to travel. They visited every state except Alaska and North Dakota, and all the major National Parks. They especially liked Canada and went there often. Many of those trips were made with their friends Nancy and Dennis Swan. The rest of the family discovered snowmobiling but it wasn't really her bag. Even so, she participated and selflessly encouraged the long family trips. Those were some of our best family memories. She was known for her prolific knitting and made countless sweaters, afghans, hats, and blankets. She has even knitted baby blankets for as-yet-unborn great grandchildren. She was a kind and loving person who will be missed by many.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bob, her children: Gary and wife Barbara Pruitt, of Colchester, Gregg Pruitt of Harwinton, and Karen and husband Tom Brophy of Marlborough. She also leaves seven grandchildren who she adored: Josh [Chelsea] Pruitt, Sarah Pruitt, Jessica, Matthew, and Maxwell Brophy, Katrina and Kameron Pruitt. She is also survived by her
brother Wallace Cormier of Jensen Beach FL and her sister Mary [Glen] Ehlers of Montgomery TX. As well as
numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We would like to thank friends and family for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Also the family would like to thank Doctors Anwar, Katz, and Naseer for their outstanding care of many
years where she felt like more than just a patient.
There will be a wake at the Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Turnpike, Coventry CT on Sept 1 from 4 to 7 PM. A service will be held on Sept 2, at four PM, at the St John Fisher church, 30 Jones Hollow Rd, Marlborough CT. Following the service, there will be a reception in Marlborough. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com