Joan M. Sandstrom, 94, passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut on May 14, 1931, the daughter of Edgar and Edna (Terry) Miller.  

A 1949 graduate of Hall High School in West Hartford, Connecticut, Joan went on to earn her secretarial degree from Elmira College in New York. She began her career as a secretary to the executive director of the Greater Hartford YMCA. During her time in Hartford, she was an active member of the local Junior League and volunteered for a variety of community organizations.  

Years later, Joan and her family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she joined the Atlanta Junior League and sang with a women’s chorus she named “The Peach Pipes,” a group that continues to perform today.  

In 1973, Joan returned to Connecticut and began working for many years at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, serving as secretary to the chairman of Psychiatry and assisting in the academic department. 

Joan moved to Boothbay, which she called “the most beautiful place in the world,” in 1987, and became an active member of the community. She participated at the YMCA, the St. Andrews Auxiliary, and the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, where she served as a deacon and joyfully sang in the choir for more than 25 years. In addition, she worked in the medical records department at St. Andrews Hospital and later went on to work at the Boothbay Chamber of Commerce. 

Joan had a deep love for animals - especially dogs - and adored her two beloved companions, Muffy and Mandy. A gifted singer, she found joy in music throughout her life. She was an avid “Jeopardy” enthusiast, renowned in her family for her quick and accurate answers, as well as being a passionate reader of mysteries, often finishing several books a month. Additionally, being in or near the water was Joan’s happy place. Known for her warmth, concern for others, and ever-present smile, Joan made everyone she met feel valued. And her famous homemade toffee was cherished by family and friends alike.  

Joan adored her family and is survived by her three daughters: Karen Ellis (husband Brook), Debby Jones (husband Mark), and Ginny Kern (husband, Ted, predeceased). She cherished her grandchildren, Katy, Ryan, Caroline, Haley, Meryl, Sam (predeceased), Grant and Jennifer, and also loved her great grandchildren, Colby, Logan, Grace, Rose, Emma, Callie, and George. She treasured her sister, Elsie (husband, Russell, both predeceased), and five nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Chase Point Assisted Living for providing such a cheerful and caring home during Joan’s residency there. Deep gratitude is also extended to the dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff at Miles Memorial Hospital, whose compassion and thoughtfulness brought comfort during her final days. Special thanks are also given to Dr. Alan Barker for his many years of exceptional, respectful, and compassionate care. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. 

Care and funeral services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Boothbay. 

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Joan’s love for animals, memorial donations may be made to: Midcoast Animal Shelter, 5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, ME 04011. website:https://midcoasthumane.org/