Sandra Ruth Berton

In loving memory of Sandra Ruth (Grahn) Berton, who passed away at age 83 on December 18, 2023, with family by her side. Born in Hartford, CT on October 29, 1940 to the late Nils & Ruth (Lussier) Grahn, she was the beloved wife of the late Alfred Berton.
Sandy was born a stubborn and spirited Swede, and grew up in Simsbury, CT. Her parents were blessed with six children, Sandy being the eldest. Sandy graduated Simsbury High School in 1958 and earned her degree from Yale School of Nursing in 1963. Sandy would frequently reminisce about her college days and the fun she had with her life-long friends.
Sandy worked for many years in nursing as an RN at Yale-New Haven Hospital, CHCP, and the VNA. In 1989, she took a job as a school nurse in Hamden. She spent the next 17 years working for Hamden schools, mostly at Hamden High, and retired in 2006. One of her favorite memories from her time in the schools was getting daily visits from her grandchildren as they progressed through their own years at Hamden High.
During the 1990s, Sandy developed a love for camping, which quickly progressed from a tent to brand new RV Motor Homes. She also developed a beautiful talent for purchasing and designing homes, making each one fabulous.
Sandy’s husband Alfred sadly passed away in November of 1997. Two years after Al’s passing, she attended her high school reunion in Simsbury, and met a classmate named David Barton, who would soon become her new partner in life.
Sandy was truly a “Go-Getter” in life. She had the ability to see a dream and make it reality. At 83 years old, she was still planning and designing her next chapter. The day before she passed, she was busy taking measurements and planning out cabinet locations for her new home in Branford, CT. Sandy lived a life of many chapters, each one building upon the last, each seemingly better and more interesting than the previous.
Sandy is survived by her three loving sons and their wives; Scott, Todd (Susan), and Chad (Melissa), her life partner Dave, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her and affectionately referred to her as “Grams,” Kirra, Taylor, Shannon, Ryan, Tanner, Maya, Eli, Andee, and Dean, and her siblings John and Kathleen, who were always a big part of her life. She also leaves many nieces and nephews to cherish her memory; Derek, Christine, Ruth, Greg, Barbara, Tammy, James, Robert, Vanessa, Robert and Ronald, as well as our wonderful Aunt Rosemary, and the many friends she made in her years. She is predeceased by her brothers, Robert, Roger, and James. As a family, we are deeply saddened by our loss. Although she is no longer with us, we realize that Sandy lived a wonderful and full life, and together we will CELEBRATE her legacy. Sandy will be sorely missed by all.
Friends are invited to visit with Sandy’s family on Friday, December 22nd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, and may also attend her Service of Entombment at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22nd in the All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or The Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org).