Sandra Carolyn Bouras

Hampton - Sandra Carolyn Bouras passed away June 14th at her home in Durham, NH after succumbing to the ravages of Alzheimer’s at age 85. In life, Sandy was intelligent, independent, a true matriarch, incredibly kind, loved and respected by all who knew her. Hers was a spirit that will be sorely missed. Sandy was born in Greenfield, MA in 1938 and grew up in nearby Shelburn Falls, the daughter of two teachers. She was raised in a loving household that perfected the art of list-making for chores, and a work ethic that ensured all was done in a timely manner. Continuing her education was pre-ordained, so she attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in the late 1950s to attain her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. It was there that she met her would-be husband, George, who had attended UMass for engineering after having served in the Navy. After college the two moved south to Riverdale, Maryland, near Washington, DC, close to the NSA headquarters where they both started their careers. Sandy worked in the code-breaking division where they used math and rudimentary computers to glean insight from clandestine communications of other countries. Notably they were part of the NSA efforts to assist in heightened tensions with Cuba and Russia during the Cuban missile crisis. Their first child, Pamela, was born in 1962, and their son Evan was on the way in 1963 when George and Sandy found that their goal of raising a young family was at odds with the high stress work with national security. Moving back north to be closer to family they settled into a new neighborhood on Milbern Ave in Hampton, NH where they would call home, together for another 20 years, and give birth to another son, Edward. With the passing of George in 1982 Sandy never remarried, instead choosing to focus her time on running the rental business they had grown since the early 70s. At that time Sandy also picked up what would become a lasting interest in Astrology. Any friend or family member would have their astrological charts drawn up, revealing the deepest parts of their psyche and behavior. Sandy was, of course, a virtuous steward of these insights and delighted all those who were open to it. By 1987 Sandy was finally able to follow through on a dream that she and George had shared, by helping design a new home to be built on an idyllic apple orchard plot in Stratham, NH. This home on Apple Way would become a focal point of activity for her family as it grew and flourished with the addition of grandchildren. It is also where Sandy herself grew into the role of matriarch, a mantle she wore with natural grace. Her generosity and wealth of experience could be relied upon to help any friend or family member through difficult times. Whether it be advice, assistance or even a place to stay at times, Sandy consistently placed others before herself and rarely ever asked for anything in return. While gardening was a life-long passion for Sandy, the ample space in Stratham became a glorious canvas of popping color and lush fecundity. The many garden beds were all built by manual labor and seemed to evoke at once both structure and entropy. Twice a year her family were summoned to weed, mulch or winterize. Without fail, as one entered the house into filtered morning light there would be a daunting list of chores on a page of paper, resting upon the ten-foot long dining table next to an assortment of pastries. These chores were the cost of her enduring loyalty, and every soul felt the deal was in their favor. The iconic gothic-period stained-glass wall in her cathedral ceiling kitchen was host to countless joyous gatherings and holiday observances. As the sun set, the entire room would fill with warm blue, green and orange sunset hues. It was a church in its own right, and the murmur of friendly banter within its walls were its psalms. All this was by design by Sandy, as she held court not at the head of the table as she had earned, but rather among the crowd as an equal. This was the brilliance of her character, and why so many became endeared. As we celebrate Sandy’s life, bear in mind that she had accomplished all that she sought out. Somewhere in the ether on June 14th there was a substantial list that saw its final item crossed off, and Sandy found a peace that will endure. Sandy was predeceased by her parents Edward Roy Frude and Carolyn Potter Frude, and by her husband George Angelo Bouras, who passed away in 1982. She is survived by her sister Cynthia Frude, and by her three children, Pam Vandenbussche and her husband Joe, Evan Bouras and his wife Christie, and Ed Bouras and his wife Mariana. Grandchildren include Nicholas Gagnon, Jenna Gagnon, Adeline Bouras-Gallant and husband Jeremy, Emma Bouras-Hiller and husband Scott, and Mason Bouras. Sandy was also fortunate enough to have witnessed a great-grandchild in Noah Bouras-Gallant. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Sandra for a period of visitation on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Rd., Hampton, NH 03842.

Sandra Carolyn Bouras

October 24, 1938 - June 14, 2024