In Memory: Sandra Christman Garland, Age 83
Sandra Christman Garland of Mashpee, MA died on December 2, 2020 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Chris, as she was called by many, had a passion for life and laughter that she shared far and wide as she did with her latest soup, famous “Boozle Berries,” or infamous shortbread. Chris enjoyed telling tales of battling a squirrel she dubbed Pistachio, reporting on neighborhood goings-on, and beaming while giving updates of her grandchildren. Chris took pleasure in gardening, cooking, bird-watching, shopping, kindness, and crazy dogs (Jack Russell and Rat Terriers). Her hilarious anecdotes were always much appreciated, especially if she could get through them without laughing so hard she had tears streaming down her face.
Chris was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Helen Smith Christman and Paul K. Christman. She grew up in New Canaan, CT, graduated from The George School and attended Mary Baldwin College and Knox College. In 1963, Chris met and married John A. Garland, Jr (Jack) at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan, CT.
Chris and Jack made their first home together in New York City, moving to the suburbs of Rye, NY and then Old Greenwich, CT as their family grew to include three children: Jay Garland of Marshfield, MA, Hillary Garland Ryland (Virgil W. Ryland IV) of Charlotte, NC and Colin D. Garland (Los Angeles, CA). Chris and her family lived in Duxbury, MA for 15 years and moved to Cape Cod, where Jack and she enjoyed retired life in Yarmouthport and Mashpee where they savored 57 years of love and laughter.
Chris was predeceased by both parents and her sister Helen “June” Leiss. She is survived by her best friend and husband Jack and their children, along with three grandchildren in Charlotte (Will, Hannah and Jack), niece Pam Leiss Helmer and her favorite cousin Bob Berg and his wife Ce.
Chris leaves behind a great legacy and a terrible void in the lives of the people who knew and loved her.
Donations in her name may be made to The George School in Newtown, PA.
