Arkport, NY / Hornell, NY
Sandra Jean “Sandy” Lawrence – 81 – formerly of Arkport, died Saturday morning (July 15, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell, where she had resided for the past 3 years.
Born in North Hornell on June 11, 1942, she was the daughter of Arnold & Kathryn (Kimbel) Lawrence.
Sandy grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1960). She later earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Geneseo State College (SUNY Geneseo). For about 3 years Sandy served as a School Teacher at Arkport Central School.
To say that “Horses Were in Her Blood” would be an understatement. Not only did she own many horses herself, but Sandy also operated a “horse boarding” business on Oak Hill Road in Arkport where she boarded & tended to horses that were owned by area residents.
Moving to Hamburg, PA in the early 80s, she continued boarding and caring for horses and would sometimes have over 40 horses in her care at a time. Sandy eventually moved to York, NY in 1992 and worked alongside her nephew, Steve Hoyt, on his farm.
Throughout the years, Sandy gave horse-riding lessons to both children & adults and taught the art of “Barrel Racing.” For many years, she served as a “Horse-Farrier” and was a specialist in equine hoof care. She took great pride in trimming and balancing of horses’ hooves and making & placing of horseshoes when needed. She also took great joy in rescuing sick and abandoned horses, giving them another chance to live a great life.
Returning to the Arkport area about 26 years ago, Sandy enjoyed having a beer or two with her many friends at the Arkport American Legion. She was also a self-proclaimed “People Watcher” and loved driving or walking around the Arkport area simply watching the farmers working their fields.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Phyllis Hoyt and Madelyn “Madge” Lang: 2 brothers, Herman “Don” Lawrence and Shelton “Punky” Lawrence.
Surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews, including her great-niece and caregiver, Tracie McCarthy of Arkport. She will also be sadly missed by her lifelong friends, Lynn Blades and Penny Bennet
At Sandy’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on August 20, 2023, at 2pm at the Arkport American Legion. Final interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Sandy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Sandy was my riding instructor oh so many years ago for 4-H and Pony Club on Oak Hill Rd. Sandy was always so patient and kind, and cared greatly for both the horses and kids she worked with. I remember she had a big bay, and a big buckskin that she did Hunter trials and barrel raced, and always wished I could ride like she did. No doubt Sandy will be greeted by a herd of joyful horses when she arrives in heaven, and she will gallop them through the clouds with a big smile on her face.
Worked alongside sandy for many years at the Gunlocke co. In Wayland ny.
She worked in the saw shop where she was in charge of keeping all the tooling sharpened for production alongside all the Maintenance personal…
She was a joy to be around and always brought a smile to everyone’s face when she was encountered.
When I think of Sandy, “terrific educator” comes to mind. Not only was she a gifted teacher in school settings, but she was always imparting wisdom in real life skills. She encouraged and led a generation of kids to become capable equestrians. Sandy didn’t care about the ribbons and trophies, she truly was teaching us the nuts and bolts of horsemanship and in doing this she gave us real life skills and confidence that have served us well throughout our lives. I am quite sure she had quite a lineup of old friends; equine, canine, and human to meet her when she crossed over.
RIP Sandy