WEST GARDINER - Sandra May (Booker) Allen, 78, of West Gardiner passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born in Gardiner, Maine. The daughter of Sanford and Lillian (Slocum) Booker. She graduated from Gardiner High School in 1967. She worked for the State of Maine for many years, retiring in November of 2000. She was a 25-year-old member of the Gardiner and West Gardiner Granges.

She is predeceased by her Parents, Sisters: Clara Hodgdon and Ellen Walker; Brother: Frederick Booker; three Brothers-in-law: William Buker, Robert Walker, and Herbert Worrey, and Sister-in-law: Gloria Booker.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Raymond Allen, three children: Sons Richard Allen and his wife Donna, Randall Allen and his wife Karen, and Daughter Sherri (Allen) Minoty and her husband Robert. Sister: Laura Buker, Brother: Daniel Booker and his wife Kay. Six grandchildren: Amber Belanger (David), Joshua Allen, Christopher Allen (Jasmine), Justin Allen, Kailyn Minoty, and Lance Minoty. Six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Sandra was an amazing woman who loved her family deeply. She was the strongest, most caring, and selfless person we knew. She enjoyed traveling, reading, knitting, watching hummingbirds, and playing cards. She loved many other things too but was the happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She leaves us all with a lifetime of unconditional love, incredible memories, so much laughter, and many lessons that we will cherish and carry with us always.

Sandra’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful doctors and nursing staff at Maine Medical Center for their excellent care and comfort, not only to Sandra but to her loved ones as well.

In accordance with Sandra’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.