Melba (Cottle) Sanford

Melba Dene (Cottle) Sanford, 70, a resident of Worcester passed away in her home Sunday, October 13^th 2019, surrounded by the ones she loved, in her husband’s loving arms. She was a fighter, and valiantly fought metastatic breast cancer for 3 years.

Melba was born in Worcester on November 16, 1948, one of five children of Ervin and Uldene Cottle.  Melba was a graduate of Girls trade. She married James Sanford on August 22, 1970. They settled in Worcester to raise their family and enjoy life, love and family for the next 49 years. 

Melba loved and found much joy and pride working for the YMCA, in childcare, for 20 years. Dedicated and successful in her work, parents and children stayed in touch long after.

She is survived by her husband James; her three devoted children, Kourtney Sanford and her husband Todd Stowell of Holden, Aaron Sanford and his wife Tina Sanford of Millbury, and Karlie Sanford of Worcester; her three sisters, Brenda McDermott, her husband Jack of Wells, Maine, Gaynal Rivernider, Ellen Dalbeck, her husband John both of Worcester; four grandchildren, Shae Stowell, Dominic Acevedo, Drew Sanford and Sadie Sanford; her grand cat Kitty; and an incredible number of extended family. She was predeceased by her brother Arthur Cottle.

A period of calling hours will be held Friday, October 18^th from 9:30 am to 10:45 am in St George church, 40 Brattle St. Worcester, followed by her funeral mass at 11:00.  Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St Jude Children’s hospital, 1 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. www.stjude.org or St George Church, 40 Brattle St Worcester 01606.   The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.