Sandra Jean Purcell

DANVERS-Sandra Jean (Boardman) Purcell, 85, passed away, surrounded by her family on December 15, 2022, in the Kaplan Family House. She was the wife of the late Jon J. Purcell. Born in Danvers, she was the daughter of the late Rodney and Gladys (Skinner) Boardman. She was a lifelong resident of Danvers beginning her education at the Putnamville School House and graduated from Holten High School in 1955. She received her bachelor’s degree from Salem State College and her master’s degree from Lesley College. While at Salem State from 1955-1959 she was one of their top female athletes excelling in seven different sports and in 1993 was inducted into the Salem State College’s Hall of Fame. She helped found the Friends of the School of Education at Salem State and was also on the alumni board. Before her retirement Sandra had been a fifth-grade teacher at the Carroll School in Peabody for 38 years. Sandra had been a snowbird and enjoyed winters in Fort Myers. She loved to golf and enjoyed watching sports including the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. She also enjoyed playing cards, games, bridge and mahjongg with her friends. You would always find Grandma Sandy at any of her beloved grandchildren’s activities. She is survived by her four children, Bonnie Purcell and her husband, Michael Rose of Maine, Jack Purcell and his wife, Wendy of Peabody, Dawn Purcell of Wakefield, Jim Purcell and his wife, Nancy of Danvers, eight grandchildren, Rob & his wife Shannon, Renee & her husband Mike, Jared, Connor, Kaydee, Mackenzie, Paige, Tommy, and five great grandchildren, Ryan, Rory, Declan, Colin and Luca, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Rodney, Richard, Roger Boardman and her sister Marion Clewes. Her Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers. Visitation will be held prior to her service on Wednesday morning from 9-10:45AM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sandra’s name to Care Dimension, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA, 01923.