Sandra Hemming Cole, formerly of Yarmouth Port, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2024, after declining health from the effects of Alzheimer’s. She was 87.
Born on March 9, 1937, in NYC, Sandy was the daughter of Raymond V. and Doris (Dottie) Hemming. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, and eventually settled in Ithaca, NY. Childhood piano lessons became a lifelong passion for Sandy. She studied pipe organ at Cornell University where she graduated in 1958, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA in Music. Sandy started a 60-year career as a church organist in Ithaca. She also taught elementary school from 1958-1962 in Ithaca while earning her MS in Education at SUNY Cortland.
In 1967 she moved with her young family and former spouse, Ernest J Cole, Jr, to Yarmouth Port. She fostered her passion for music becoming the organist for St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Barnstable. Sandy enjoyed her time as church organist there for 33 years, a tenure that included the installation of the Karl Wilhelm Pipe Organ in 1986. Her daughters were raised within the Family Choir and many lifelong friendships were formed. After retiring from St Mary’s in 2000, Sandy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren as well as international travel. She returned to the organ bench in 2005 at Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans where she continued until retiring in 2018.
Sandy continued her teaching career as a part time music instructor at Cape Cod Community College from 1968-1975 as well as Assistant Director and Accompanist of the Concert Choir from 1975-1981. Sandy returned to the classroom in 1981 with the Barnstable School District to teach Gr. K-6 general music and choral ensembles until her retirement in 1999. Well known within the music community on the Cape, Sandy accompanied many choirs and theatrical productions. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists and served as the Chapter Dean from 1978-1980.
The most important thing to Sandy was family. She relished every moment visiting her grandchildren, attending their many performances, and hosting them each summer. Her dear friends from church, “The Belles of St Mary’s”, and her longtime neighborhood friends kept a busy social schedule. Eventually Sandy relocated to Pepperell, MA, to live with her daughter due to health issues. She moved into RiverCourt Residences of Groton, MA, in 2022 where she remained until her passing. Her family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care and genuine love she received from the staff. Ascend Hospice assisted during her final years, establishing comfort with dignity.
Sandy was a true matriarch for her family leaving behind a legacy of music, family traditions, celebrations, and laughter which lives on strong in each member. She is survived by a sister, Penny and her husband John Tuthill of Richardson, TX; two daughters, Jennifer and her husband Charles Ellars of Pepperell, and Amy Cole of Yarmouth Port. She has two nephews and one niece who live with their families in Texas. Her legacy lives on strongest through her three grandchildren, all professional musicians. A memorial service will be planned on Cape Cod at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sandra Cole’s memory to Ascend Hospice & Palliative Care, 352 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, 01604 or to the Alzheimer’s Association: http://act.alz.org/goto/Sandy_Cole
The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
