Sandra (Scardina) Dressel

Sandra Dressel (née Scardina) passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2026, after a long illness. Born, raised, and schooled in her beloved central New York, Connecticut was her adopted home since 2008. Here, she built a life with her husband, Dennis, and their menagerie of mostly rescued pets in a beautiful corner of Litchfield County, surrounded by the birds, bears, and other wild creatures that she so loved. She was a devoted mother, a gifted writer and avid reader, and a fierce protector of and advocate for animals. Her deep well of compassion for all creatures was matched by her integrity, her honesty, and her profound love of family. She is predeceased by her fur and feather babies, Buddy, Arlo, Moby, Winnie, and Bruce. She is survived by her husband, daughter, Mande (Zecca), pup (Pip), and formerly feral kitty (Obie). As a profoundly private person, she didn’t want a public service, so we are honoring her wishes. In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations in Sandy’s memory may be sent to Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue in New Oxford, PA (https://littlelongears.networkforgood.com/projects/16100-little-longears-general) and Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY (https://secure.farmsanctuary.org/honor-and-memory), where she spent her (Keuka) college years.

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