SANDRA NELSON-BOOTH

BRISTOL — Sandra Nelson-Booth of Bristol passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born July 13, 1945, the daughter of Robert L. and Catherine M. (Barrows) Adams of Vergennes.

Sandy was a graduate of the Vergennes High School class of 1963. She had many fond memories of her classmates and friends in and around Vergennes.

In 1964 she married Jim Nelson of Bristol. They had four children and were married until his death in 1980.

She did various kinds of work over the years, waitressing at restaurants in Vergennes, New Haven, Bristol, Addison, and Shelburne, working at Gebo Brothers, and housecleaning.

Later, while living in Connecticut, she worked as cleaning supervisor for Millstone Nuclear Power Plant.

In 1994 she married Ralph Booth of New London, Conn., originally from Vergennes.

After they moved back to Vermont in 1996, she worked as a caregiver. She was always grateful for the many people and families she got to know and serve, and each one held a special place in her heart.

She loved her family and her home. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Throughout her life, she had a heart that overflowed with care and compassion, always tending to those around her and making sure everyone was taken care of. Her smile was pure sunshine — warm, constant and contagious. What a gift it was to call her ours. She left us far too soon.

She was lovingly cared for during her illness by her family, led by her daughter Lora, granddaughter Jennifer, and son James, with Ralph by her side. Through the course of her final days and weeks, she remained the lovely lady we always knew — gracious, elegant and dignified. She faced each day with grit and determination, solving problems, embracing change, and accepting what came.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ralph F. Booth Jr. of Bristol; her son Peter J. Nelson II and daughter Lora L. (Nelson) Gordon of Bristol, and her daughter and son-in-law, Angela (Nelson) and Vasso LaForest, of Cadyville, N.Y.; grandchildren Amanda (Nelson) and Dustin Wright, Josh Nelson, Jennifer (Gordon) and DJ Barry, Matthew Gordon, Brittany Gordon, and Lucas and Alex LaForest; her siblings Arlene (Adams) and Leo Fagga of Bristol, Patti (Adams) Gebo of Panton, and sister-in-law Patty Adams of Charlotte, N.C.; six great-granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother David Adams of Charlotte, N.C.; her first husband, Peter J. Nelson I of Bristol; her son Mark A. Nelson of Bristol; and her stepson James N. Nelson of Hinesburg.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. at Victory Baptist Church in Vergennes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Victory Baptist Church at 862 Route 7, Vergennes, VT 05491.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brown McClay Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com. ◊