1943 – 2013

NEW GLOUCESTER — Sandra Anne (Hartford) Hotham, 69, of New Gloucester, died at home Saturday, April 6, after a long illness. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by family and friends.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1943, in Biddeford, the daughter of Eral P. Hartford and Mary R. (Newell) Hartford. She was raised in South Portland, where she attended Holy Cross School.

As a teenager, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Charles C. Hotham Jr. They married on Jan. 30, 1962. After living in Portland and Cumberland, they decided to build a home in New Gloucester, where they raised a family of six.

Besides being a full-time mother, Sandra also worked for a time at Canal Bank, as well as Health-Tex, both in Portland.

In her younger years, Sandra was vivacious and animated. She was known for being the life of the party and always had a joke to share. She enjoyed creative outlets such as Artex Paints, crocheting and knitting. She took lessons for guitar and also was certified as a cake decorator. Many weekend hours were spent creating wedding and birthday cakes.

In her 50s, Sandra attended classes at the University of Southern Maine, where she studied music and psychology. Her daughter, Chris, was quite excited to be taking a few courses with her. Sandra also studied with the Maine Karate Association for over a year, where she earned her blue belt in Shotokan Karate.

Throughout their life together, Sandra and Charles traveled whenever time and money could afford. They explored much of the United States, but also visited Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, England and Brazil.

Surviving are her four sons, Donald and his wife, Rebecca, of Seattle, Wash., Scott and his wife, Dawn, of Poland, Michael and his wife, Kristie, of New Gloucester and Charles, III and his wife, Crystal of Turner; two daughters, Tammy Hotham of New Gloucester, and Chris Hotham Carroll and her wife, Kristen, of Hill, N.H.; one brother, Eral Hartford of Buxton; two sisters, Shirley Hotham of New Gloucester, and Sally Parker of Limington; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Charles C. Hotham Jr.;. and two grandchildren, Joshua and Brittany.