Sandra M. Britten
December 17, 1935 ~ September 9, 2019
Resided in:
Scarborough, ME
Scarborough - Sandra M. Britten, 83, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019, at Atria Assisted Living.
Born in Portland on December 17, 1935, Sandra was the daughter of Harry and Catherine (Albert) Landen. Sandra moved to Springfield, MA, where she attended Classical High School and graduated in the Class of 1953. Called to a career in nursing, Sandra enrolled at Grace-New Haven School of Nursing, now known as Yale-New Haven, where she received her degree.
Following her graduation, she married Ralph Britten in August of 1957, and they had 3 children; Mark, Catherine and Patrick.
As a dedicated ICU nurse for the next two decades, Sandra worked to empower nurses and professionalize the occupation. In 1980, Sandra married Philip Britten and moved to Florida where she received her Master's degree in Nursing Administration at the University of Florida. She became the Vice President of Nursing at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, where she was influential in encouraging other nurses to pursue higher education. She completed a Wharton Fellowship and was recognized in the Who's Who in Nursing.
After Philip's passing, Sandra moved back to Maine to be closer to family and retired to Sebago Lake, a place where her family shares many fond memories of beaches, boat rides and blueberry pie. Her family will also remember her love of reading, captivating storytelling, her passion for family and the love of her dogs who were treated as family; Salty, Teddy and Lucy.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Catherine Dodge of Scarborough; two sons, Dr. Mark Britten and his wife Robin of Scarborough, Patrick Britten and his wife Hayden of North Yarmouth; a sister, Susan Fryling and her husband Albert of York, and eight grandchildren; Matthew and Emily Dodge, Adam, Bobby and Alex Britten, Josh and Chelsea Britten, and Heather Marandola.
Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-7:00PM, on Thursday, September 12, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, September 13, in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Sandra's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Charitable contributions in Sandra's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0142
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It is hard to believe how much I miss Sandy. Just about every day I think of something I want to tell her, or that I am cooking one of her favorites. I am glad she didn’t have to go through the pandemic since not seeing her family would be awful for her. It is also hard to see football season coming with no Sandy to watch the games and have “football food”. I really miss her wisdom, sense of humor and her love of her family, including the four legged ones. I hope she is pain free, alert and getting ready for football season in a comfy recliner.
– Kaye McDevitt
if ever a mother could rest in peace-i think it would be Sandra… her families love,caring and devotion along with an abounding sense of humor each day is truly what family is about in trying times. she spoke so fondly of you all. so proud of her grandchildren. she was so full of family love. you are all a testament to what a great woman she was. in the short time i was with her she truly made it know that i was special to her and appreciated. she was a rarity to me and i know to so many others. am sorry for the loss of her to you all… am pretty sure her spirit will turn up on many future occasions! in sympathy and friendship to a phenomenal group… carolyn jobin (springbrook)
– carolyn jobin
We met Sandy when she lived in our neighborhood and would walk by with Lucy her dog. She would stop to chat and Lucy would have a piece of cheese as a treat. In a short time we fell in love with both of them. Sandy and Lucy came to watch Patriots games and stopped by for chat and to discuss books and sports. As time went by we cherished her friendship and she added so much to our lives. Sandy had the greatest love for her family and totally spoiled Lucy. When we would tease her about spoiling Lucy she would say “I spoiled my kids and they turned out OK”. Three weeks before she died she said “I’m not going to be around forever you know–I’m 83”. We told her we didn’t want to think about life without Sandy in in. We will greatly miss her company, her humor, her wisdom and her friendship. Kaye and Jim McDevitt
– Kaye McDevitt
Dear Dr. Britten and Family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this very difficult time. May God’s peace and love be with you all Thoughts and Prayers Gina Korney
– Regina Korney
What sticks in my mind, and I will carry with me forever, is Sandra’s incredible love for family and her grand children. Such an open heart and incredible presence… her spirit fills a room. I am blessed to have had so many opportunities to experience Sandra’s expressive joy and a love which has transcended her children and grandchildren… an incredible model for love and life. All my love, Heather
– Heather Marandola