Sandra L. Wayne

Niantic - Sandra L. Wayne passed away peacefully March 7, 2025, at her home in Niantic, in the comfort of her family. “Sandy,” as she was known to all, was born June 3, 1949, in Stanton, Neb., the daughter of Russell V. and Florence (Dempsey) Barth. The family moved to Niantic, in 1956, where she attended school in East Lyme and New London.

She developed a love of dancing beginning with ballet at a very young age. She continued through the years with several other styles of dance, ending with tap dancing well into her sixties. While working together at the Starlight restaurant in East Lyme, she met and married the love of her life, U.S. Navy sailor James "Jim" H. Wayne Jr. They were married for 53 beautiful years. She worked at General Dynamics and Computer Sciences Corporation in Groton and Norwich for over 40 years. Sandy was also her husband’s partner as one of the original owners of The Little Brown Shack in East Lyme.

She was an avid gardener, reader and loved playing cards and board games with family and friends. She and Jim enjoyed their motorcycle, riding for almost 20 years. They traveled all through New England and out to the Midwest, making many lasting friendships with their fellow bikers. She and Jim enjoyed six winter seasons in Punta Gorda, Fla., making even more wonderful friends.

Sandy was a breast cancer survivor and vigorously participated in fundraising for the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund through all types of events including modeling in their fashion shows. In her retirement years, she worked in the Backus Hospital Philanthropy and Development Office, assisting with fundraising for the Breast Cancer Survivors Fund.

She is predeceased by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her son, Brian D. Wayne and his wife Regina of Winsted; daughter, Trina M. Wayne of Niantic; grandchildren, Jacob, Gillian and Magdalen Wayne; sister, Joanne Izzo and her husband Carl of Port Charlotte, Fla.; aunt, Lillian Lafleche of Hampton, N.H.; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling hours will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life and reception. Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for photos, tributes and directions. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sandy’s memory to Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund, C/O Backus Development Office, 326 Washington St., Norwich, CT 06360.