CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Sandra F. (Painter) Force

Sandra F. (Painter) Force, age 78, formerly of Beverly, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Some of you may remember Sandy as a friend, an aunt, a sister or as Mom, but for a lot of local loved ones – she was simply known as ‘Nan’. Sandy’s door was always open, at any time of the day for anyone. She had a way of making everyone know that they were always welcome to stay. Some stays were longer than others, but either way everyone got the love and hospitality that they needed. Sandy was always there when you needed her, wherever and whenever, without hesitation.

At just 18 years old, Sandy caught the eye of the late Elton J. Force. If you knew Sandy, then you know her spunky attitude kept Mr. Force waiting for some time. But after finally giving him the chance, the couple married and were eventually blessed with 3 loving children: Rhonda, Sandy, and John. Being an active and involved mother, Sandy was always taking her children on fun trips, whether that was to Seaside beach or just to the drive in movies. When she wasn’t carting the kids around in her station wagon, you could find Sandy and the kids riding their bikes around town.

But of course, Sandy found her real calling in life when she became a grandmother. Above any activity that she ever found herself doing, being a grandmother and great-grandmother topped them all. This is where her second name came from – ‘Nan’. Nan never missed one of her grandkids’ events – from cheerleading competitions and sports games to birthdays and graduations. Nan was always there with her everlasting support and unconditional love.

Leading up to her retirement, Sandy earned a paycheck doing bindery work at AE Litho in Beverly. In her free time she loved to bowl. Throughout her life you could find Sandy on various bowling leagues with her family and friends. In her later years, Sandy loved to sit on her front porch to watch the beautiful Delanco sunsets while also keeping an eye out for her neighborhood. When Sandy wasn’t on town watch duty, she enjoyed drinking coffee and playing cards with her beloved sisters Chrissy and Myrtle. She also had a love for gambling. Whether it was trips to AC or Parx, bingo with friends, or even a quick lottery ticket from 7-11 – Sandy always had a little competition in her. If you asked anyone in the family or even her best friend, Chris Jones, Sandy didn’t just love to play, she HAD to win.

During quieter times, you could find Sandy working on jigsaw puzzles or watching her favorite TV shows, some of which include Cops, Dr. Phil, Dancing with the Stars and the Bachelor. One of the best days of the week for Sandy was Sundays. Family would join her while she spent time in the kitchen either making her spaghetti dinners, roast beef or vegetable soup, along with her famous zucchini bread or cole slaw. These were just some of the families’ favorites. Besides Sunday dinners, Sandy also hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch – where some of the best family memories were made.

Sandy is survived by 3 children: Rhonda (Ron) Lallo, Sandy (Kenny Coughlin) Perlmutter, and John (Dana) Force; grandchildren: Renee (Warren), Gina (Joey), Amber (Dennis), John (Erin), Autumn (Kenny), and Aiden; great-grandchildren: Alexis, Warren, Mason, Alivia, Lacie, and Riley; sisters: Christina (Painter) DeSante and Myrtle (Painter) Powell; and her precious dog, Gabby. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and family friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; Samuel Painter and Lavinia V. (Hatcher) Painter. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Sandy’s 78 years of life on Saturday, March 6th from 9am-11am, at Sweeney Funeral Home, 478 Cooper Street, Beverly. Interment will follow at Monument Cemetery in Beverly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bringing Up Down Syndrome; 504 Centennial Blvd #1444, Voorhees, NJ 08043.