It is with sadness that we announce the death of our loving mother, sister, grandmother, cousin, friend and businesswoman. Marjorie Ann Sandford, known by most as “Nan,” received her wings April 1, 2022.
Nan was born Friday, September 13, 1946, in Roslindale, Massachusetts, to parents Marjorie and Francis Butler. She attended Weymouth elementary schools and graduated from Weymouth High School in 1964, and later received her undergraduate degree from the New England School of Art and Design. Shortly thereafter, Nan moved to Southern California.
Nan had a special love of music, art, design, patterns and colors, often seen through what she contributed her time toward. She enjoyed drawing and overall being an artist herself, interior design, playing the harmonica, spending time with friends and family, and centering herself in her spirituality.
Nan always thought it was important to be present, genuine and to be involved with the community — which is how she lived, including being a founding member of the South Pasadena Fourth of July festivities and longtime member of the Pasadena Elks Lodge, the Huntington, Los Angeles Conservancy, Sherman Library & Gardens and more.
Nan enjoyed working in interior design, architecture, at the South Pasadena Review, and eventually developed a career as an escrow officer. Nan worked as an escrow officer in various offices including American Trust Escrow, Mara Escrow and eventually the Pango Group, where she retired from. She was proud to have her real estate license active even through her retirement. After retirement, Nan moved to Newport Beach where she enjoyed her family, friends, travel and beach sunsets.
Nan is deeply missed by her surviving daughter Marci Thurston, son-in-law Randy Thurston, grandchildren Brianna Sandford, Corbin and Ceara Thurston, sister Susan Harker, brother Frank Butler, Aunt Ellen Minahan and so many loved cousins and friends. Nan is joining her daughter, Michelle Sandford, her parents, many aunts, uncles and friends in Heaven.
A memorial mass will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. Please visit nansandford.com for more information on the mass and to share in stories and photos.
