LEBANON, NH — Sandra Debrina Ford-Centonze (Sandy), 59, a resident of Lebanon, New Hampshire died 12/14/19 peacefully at Jack Byrne Center after a six month battle with cancer.
Sandra was born in Neptune, New Jersey 4/27/60. She relocated to Concord, North Carolina with her parents at an early age where she completed her elementary and high school education. She was a standout athlete at Northwest Cabarrus High School and graduated in 1978. She earned her BA and MA in Athletic Administration from Appalachian State University.
She began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher and quickly realized that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others by working with young adults who were ready to make life decisions. She never stopped teaching and helping students, however her focus moved to working with college students. She began her career as a coach at Appalachian State where she served as Assistant Track Coach 1984-1986. She then moved to the University of Vermont where she served as Head Track Coach for six years. Sandy then became Head Women’s Track and Field Coach at Dartmouth College where she remained for twenty eight (28) years. Her passion for this work during 28 years took her to all corners of the world nationally and internationally helping others to make the same commitment to finding and living their dream.
Her passion for her work was surpassed only by her love for parenting her sons Christian and Antonio as well as her grandson, Ryker. She was predeceased by her father, Hayden Ford of Concord, N.C.
Sandy leaves her two sons, Christian Centonze of Brooklyn, N.Y. , Antonio Centonze (Madison) of Windsor, Vermont, her grandson, Ryker Centonze; her mother, Frances Ford of Concord, N. C., a brother, Anthony Walker (Lurlene) of Concord, N.C., two sisters, Shawna Harper (Felix) of Concord, N.C. and Stacie Ford-Bonnelle (Jon) of Seattle, Washington; and her former spouse John Centonze. She also leaves two nephews Justin Weaks of Washington, D. C and Stevenson Harper of Concord, N. C and two nieces Shiri Grier-Foster (Tony) of Kannapolis, N.C. and Lurlene Walker Donahue (Josh) of Charlotte, N.C. In addition she leaves aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, colleagues, and friends.
Sandra had a passionate commitment to her family, her work and friends. Her stated life goal was “to make a difference” and she did so in every life she touched.
Below is a link that will help to complete the picture of Sandy.
https://dartmouthsports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/coaches/sandy-ford-centonze/2094
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sandy’s name to any of the following organizations:
Friends of Dartmouth College Track and Field: Dartmouth College, Hanover NH 03755
https://calltolead.dartmouth.edu/opportunities/friends-dartmouth-track-field-and-cross-country
The Listen Center Donation Center: 387 Miracle Mile, Lebanon NH 03766
Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care: 154 Hitchcock Loop Rd, Lebanon NH 03766
Family and friends are invited to Calling Hours Wednesday, December 18, 2019 5-7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School Street, Lebanon, NH 03766. Sandy’s Funeral will be held at the funeral home Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 11 AM. A Memorial Service will be held at Rollins Chapel, Dartmouth College January 4, 2020 at 2 PM.
To leave a message of condolence please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.