Palma Sainsbury
Stonington — Palma Isabel Samson Sainsbury of Palmer Street in Pawcatuck passed away peacefully at home Jan. 7, 2024. During her final days, she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was 100 years old. She was a universe unto herself and emanated love, compassion, acceptance and faith to those blessed to have come into her orbit. She was born in North Providence, R.I.
She attended the E.A Brayton School and St. Xavier Academy, where she remained a member of the alumni association. She worked for a number of years at her parents’ café in Centerdale, R.I., and the H.J. Heinz company. She married the late Thomas Sainsbury on Aug. 17, 1946. They raised 11 children — motherhood was Palma’s vocation — instilling in them her values of love, dedication and selflessness. She will be sorrowfully missed by her children: Frances (Fordan) Bonardi, Mary Lou (the late Nick) Battles, Laurel (Louis) Fernandes, Maureen Wirta, Michelle (Keith) Murphy and Paul (Susan) Sainsbury, all of Pawcatuck; Patricia Barber (and Kevin Gordon) of Keene, N.H., Barbara (Manny) Santiago and Thomas (Jayne) Sainsbury of Westerly; Michael (Laura) Sainsbury of Powhatan, Va., and Phillip Sainsbury of Miami, Fla. She was predeceased by her brother Roland Samson; and her sister Rita Fortin. Palma was the proud grandmother to 28 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Palma’s absence will also be felt by her two loving nephews, Dennis and Roland Fortin.
But numbers don’t sum up just how wonderful she was as a mother, grandmother and friend. Palma’s life revolved around her family, faith and friends. She was an active member of St. Michael’s Church and regularly attended weekly retreats at Enders Island. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage. Palma’s culinary skills were exceptional, as she mastered French recipes thanks to her French heritage. Palma also ran her own successful catering business from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Palma was a devoted fan of the Red Sox and UConn women’s basketball. Through the art of card and letter writing, she expressed her love, care and appreciation for her friends and family throughout her life. Palma understood that a handwritten note carried a special touch.
The family thanks Seniors Helping Seniors and Masonicare Hospice for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Michael’s Parish, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at St. Michael’s Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.