Sandra Whiteley Saalborn

Sandra Joan Whiteley Saalborn, a devoted wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at Greenwich Hospital, surrounded by her loving family after a long illness.

Born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Sandra was the beloved daughter of the late Joan Farrell Whiteley and Harry Whiteley Sr.  She was also the daughter-in-law of the late Lorraine and Otto Saalborn Jr. and stepdaughter-in-law of the late Pearle Saalborn. She was the loving sister of Harry (Laurie), Jim (Becky), and Jeff Whiteley, and sister-in-law to Ruthann (Rob) and Eric Saalborn. She was a cherished aunt to Sarah (Ben), Jameson, Michael (Jess), Lizzy (Jay), Allie (Branden), Harry, Tim (Katelyn), Emma, Amelia, Georgia, and Finnegan, and a proud great-aunt to Ivy, Ori, Kayla, Rhys, Jack, Tucker, Beau, Emmy, Liam, and Kellan.

Sandra dedicated her life to nurturing and educating young minds as an elementary school teacher at Stillmeadow Elementary School in Stamford Public Schools. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Connecticut State University, she began her teaching career, shaping young students with patience and dedication. While working as a teacher, she furthered her education and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She found joy in the classroom, inspiring children to learn and grow.

She was the devoted wife of Scott Saalborn and the loving mother of her triplets, Alexander (Carina), Luke, and Samantha Saalborn, whom she raised in New Fairfield, CT. After their birth, she chose to become a stay-at-home mom, ensuring that her children grew up in a home filled with warmth, love, and unwavering support. She was involved in every part of their lives—attending every dance recital, baseball game, basketball game, soccer match, and Tae Kwon Do practice. She even participated in martial arts herself, earning a green belt alongside her children, who later became 2nd-degree black belts.

Sandra was an active member of her church, teaching CCD classes while her children went through the program. Her love for community and leadership extended beyond the church, as she served as a Girl Scout leader for 13 years, inspiring young girls to grow with confidence and kindness.

She had a deep love for quilting, crocheting, photography, and the beach. Sandra had a unique way of capturing life's most precious moments through photos, often making sure that no memory went undocumented—even when everyone was already there to experience it. Every year, she made sure to take a picture at the North Pole in Knoebels, a tradition that became a cherished part of her family's memories. She had a passion for Disney and Star Wars, and her love for music shined through from a young age. In high school, she was a member of the Chamber Singers, which gave her the incredible opportunity to travel to China to perform.

Sandra was a woman who loved deeply, laughed often, and cared for everyone she met. She welcomed all with open arms, a warm meal, and a comforting presence. In her home, no one went without food, shelter, or love. She was known for cooking and baking more than anyone could ever eat, ensuring that there was always plenty to share. She was our biggest supporter, a patient teacher in all aspects of life, and someone who always had a solution when times were tough.

She adored sunsets, Korean K-pop, and, most of all, her family.

Sandra’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home; 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Saint Edward the Confessor Church; 21 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, New Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to a local charity Ann’s Place https://www.annsplace.org/donate

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