Sandra Lee Gergler Bidwell, 76, passed away peacefully on the 15th of July alongside her two children, Mandy Beth Bidwell and Shane T. French, after her second, no holds barred, bare knuckle, prison yard battle with The Cancer which she often brushed off her shoulder, punched in the throat like she was Rocky Balboa and stubbornly ignored continuing to live alone, remaining as independent and mobile as possible.
She was born in Hartford, CT to Bertha Davieau and Everett Gergler growing up in Rocky Hill, on Oak Hill Road, playing with a various ragtag group of local snow ball throwing misfits and outdoorsman types, as the middle and best child, alongside her siblings Gerry, Evelyn, Tommy, Donald, & Doris (who passed as a baby.) She also had an older half-brother, Jim, who she went on sailing adventures with aboard The Wind Rose. (No criminal activity was reported.) She had a Dean’s List brain and went to college but when applying for work it was often stated that she was "overqualified."
She dabbled in many different Arts and Crafts, cooking and Sewing projects, but what she loved most was playing the fife, being a known member of various Fife and Drum Corps throughout her years, starting from the age of ten and traveling as far as Switzerland to perform. She also leaves behind a plethora of nephews and nieces and their offspring and her High School Sweetheart, Howard Bidwell and beloved Grand-puppy Maggie Mae Bidwell.
There will be a celebration of life, on her Birthday, this August 10th at The Company of Fifers and Drummers in Ivoryton, CT from noon till 6pm. All who loved her are welcome.