Sandra House Ciolfi

Hampton - Sandra House Ciolfi, 86, of Hampton, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 8, 2025. A woman of profound resilience and faith, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Born on April 25, 1939, on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, Sandra was the daughter of Ann and George House. Her childhood in Chicago remained a cherished highlight of her life. Growing up, she often cooked for her brother, George, while their mother worked—a responsibility that blossomed into a lifelong love for preparing family meals. Whether it was ten-cent Saturday movies or "L-train" rides to fancy restaurants with her extended family, Sandra’s formative years were filled with memories she recounted with joy. An avid swimmer from a young age, Sandra swam competitively in high school and maintained her passion for the water throughout her life. Whether at the YMCA, Pomp’s Pond in Andover, or Bear Camp Pond in New Hampshire, she was most at home in a calm pool or lake. One favorite family story involves Sandra accidentally swimming a mile across a pond; having left her glasses on the beach, she mistook a group of birds for her usual markers and didn't stop until she reached the opposite shore. Sandra enjoyed walking, which she did throughout her life. While living in Andover MA, she would walk into town and visit with friends or spend time with the historical society. Sandra enjoyed history and learning. After moving from Andover to Hampton NH, Sandra was a member of the Hampton Walkers and the morning walks were a highlight for her. Sandra moved East for her education, graduating from Tufts University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts. Guided by the spiritual principles of her faith, Sandra was a devoted Christian Scientist, following in the footsteps of her mother. She spent many cherished hours at her church and in the Christian Science Reading Room, living a life defined by the quiet strength of her beliefs. After marrying Edward John Ciolfi, whom she met at Tufts, Sandra lived in Massachusetts and California before settling in Andover, MA, in 1971. Following her divorce, she raised her four sons—John, George, Thomas, and Anthony—as a single mother. Known by relatives as "Sandra’s Angels," her boys were the absolute center of her world. She instilled in them the values of kindness and integrity, even during their more mischievous younger years. Her success as a mother is beautifully reflected in her sons' lives; all four went on to become engineers, a testament to her steady guidance and support. Sandra was a dedicated professional who balanced a demanding career with the rigors of single motherhood. She found her most rewarding professional home at her alma mater, Tufts University. She served with distinction as the Secretary to the President of Tufts, Jean Mayer, before being promoted to Alumni Secretary. Upon her retirement, the university honored her with the Distinguished Employee Award. Sandra was among a select few to receive this prestigious recognition, and she delivered a memorable acceptance speech that captured her wit and dedication to the Tufts community. In her later years, Sandra was a doting grandmother. Her grandchildren knew her home as a place of warmth and comfort, famously stocked with her signature chocolate chip cookies and pancakes. She maintained a tradition of Sunday dinners, serving fresh salads and abundant vegetables that mirrored the wholesome family meals of her Chicago youth. Sandra was known for her quick wit and timeless wisdom. She often reminded those she loved to "Trust your instincts," "Life is what happens while you’re busy planning other things," and, perhaps most importantly, "Everyone should have a good sense of humor." Sandra is survived by her four sons: John (Mai) of Wellesley, MA, and their children, John Jr. and Caitlin; George (Tricia) of Hampton, NH, and their children, Anna, Dan, and Jake; Thomas (Heidi) of Northport, NY, and their children Ella and Thomas Dylan; and Anthony of Hampton, NH, and his son, Ryan. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, George; and her daughter-in-law, Tammy. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Sandra for a period of visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home - Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road Hampton, NH 03842. A service of remembrance will take place immediately following the visitation at 12:00 p.m in the funeral home. A donation in Sandra’s memory may be made to Saint Vincent DePaul in Hampton, NH by clicking here or a charity of your choice.

Sandra House Ciolfi

April 25, 1939 - January 8, 2026