05/30/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Sandra Lee (Blaine) Aiken, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the Jack Byrnes Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH, surrounded by the love of her devoted family. Born on September 28, 1947, in Claremont, New Hampshire, Sandra was the cherished daughter of the late Harold and Jennie (Michalenoick) Blaine.
A graduate of Stevens High School in 1965, Sandra was a woman of many talents and passions. Her life was a tapestry of kindness, creativity, and service to others. She married the love of her life, John Aiken, on April 10, 1970, in their hometown of Claremont, NH, and together they shared 56 years of love, laughter, countless memories, and mutual respect. Their loving partnership was a beacon of strength and devotion, nurturing the growth of their beloved children Rebecca (Aiken) Rostron, Jason Aiken, and Jesse Aiken. They built a close, loving family and a life that embraced the simple joys and values of hard work.
Sandra was a doting grandmother to her four grandchildren: Shawn Alexander, Josephine Vielguth, Brayden Rostron, and Anna Aiken, who were the lights of her life. Being a grandmother brought the greatest joy and pride to Sandra.
A woman of incredible skill and dedication, Sandra shared her love for sewing, quilt-making, and knitting with the world. In January 1976, she founded her own home sewing business, "Country Lace Boutique," and later opened up a yarn & knitting store, "Yankee Maid". Sandra brought warmth and beauty into countless homes, leaving a patchwork of love that will be felt for generations. Her creations were more than just art; they were expressions of her warmth, selflessness, and meticulous care.
Sandra's hobbies reflected her nurturing nature—cooking and baking filled her home with comforting aromas, while gardening brought vibrant beauty to her surroundings. Her talent as a seamstress, dollmaking and crafting stuffed animals brought joy to many, each piece crafted with love and attention to detail. Sandra never passed up an opportunity to go to a craft fair or out to eat. Sandra also spent many years vacationing (with her family) in a beach front cottage on Popham Beach, Phippsburg, Maine, enjoying listening to the peaceful sounds of the ocean waves, always looking for a great place to eat with fresh seafood and checking out the stores in Booth Bay and Freeport.
Her legacy goes beyond her creative endeavors; it is found in the lives she touched and the memories she created. Sandra's selfless nature was evident in her every action, always prioritizing the needs of others above her own. Her compassionate heart and unwavering support will be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her.
Sandra is survived by her husband, John, her three children; Rebecca (Aiken) Rostron – Claremont, NH, Jason ( Michelle) Aiken – Claremont, NH, and Jesse Aiken – Claremont, NH, and her four grandchildren; Shawn Alexander of Newport, VT, Josephine Vielguth of Lawton, OK, Brayden Rostron of Claremont, NH and Anna Aiken of Claremont, NH), along with many other extended family members and special friends who will deeply miss her.
Sandra Lee Aiken's legacy of love, laughter, and creativity will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. Her gentle spirit and infectious sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends, and her memory will be a guiding light for generations to come.
Calling hours will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad St., Claremont, NH from 6pm – 8pm.
A graveside service to honor Sandra's life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1 PM at the Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont, NH. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the Jack Byrne Center for their exceptional care and compassion during Sandra's final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society – PO Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037, reflecting Sandra's love for all living creatures, especially her life-long love for German Shepherds.