Obituary of Sandra Mallory Constabile
Sandra Mallory Constabile died peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 22, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. She was a wonderful example of living life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all those who experienced her warmth and smile in the 81 years she was with us.
Sandy was born on September 22, 1942, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Harriet Patterson and Henry Rogers Mallory. She was the eldest of four girls. In 1953 the family moved to Greenwich, CT where Sandy initially attended Greenwich High, but graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall. She went on to attend the University of Connecticut and later graduate from Lake Forest College.
After college Sandy moved to NYC and worked at Columbia Records as a secretary. After nine months she was frustrated because there was no executive role track for her as a woman. Rather than fight the system, she pivoted to career counseling and became an employment interviewer for the State of New York. She enjoyed this work because it involved dealing with people, a love of hers, and gave her the opportunity to travel to hotels around NYC. Once her children were grown, Sandy began a successful career in real estate, another way that she could share her love for her community and help others.
In March of 1966, Sandy went to a NYC bar on St. Patrick’s Day and through a mutual friend, met a young law student, Tom Constabile. As the story goes, Tom offered to buy her a green beer and Sandy said, “you’re too good to be true.” They were engaged 6 weeks later and married in January of 1967. They went on to have 5 children, Erin, Christy, Tom, Kerry and Liz.
Sandy and Tom moved to Larchmont in January of 1969 where they met many lifelong friends at the Newcomers Club. Sandy immediately became an active volunteer in the community. Her boundless energy and spirit enabled her to juggle motherhood with her various interests, many of which involved helping others. Among other things, she sponsored children from The Fresh Air Fund, served on the steering committee for Safe Rides, was Chairman of the Children’s Corner and the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Council on Family and Youth, ran a career development program for the Junior League, was instrumental in establishing the Mamaroneck Food Pantry and was an active Girl Scout troop leader and even ran a Boy Scout troop for one year. She was also very active in her church, St. John’s Episcopal, and participated in a variety of volunteer and leadership roles. It was important to both Sandy and Tom that the family attend church and it was an integral part of her life. She had many other interests including bridge, sailing, golf, tennis, paddle, music, theater, book groups and travel.
Sandy and Tom opened their home to everyone through large parties, holiday gatherings or simple, casual get-togethers. People knew that they could just show up and make themselves comfortable. An impromptu dance party was often likely! She was an incredible friend, always available to drive someone to the doctor, meet for lunch or coffee, or simply take a walk. Her children are moved by how many people approach them and have a kind word or story to tell about something Sandy had done for them. In her later years, dementia took much from her, but we could usually coax a beautiful Sandy smile which we will always miss and cherish.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 56 years, Tom, her children Erin, Christy (Ryan), Tom (Elena), Kerry (Charlotte) and Liz (Jon) and her 6 grandchildren, Thomas and William Gilbert, Tommy Constabile, Jackson and Eliza Letvinchuk and Luca Phillips-Constabile and many nieces and nephews and other cherished relatives and friends. She is also survived by her two sisters, Susan Dunn and Sally Mallory Morris. Her youngest sister, Dodie, predeceased her.
Family and friends are invited to attend a reception on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 5-8pm and/or a memorial service on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11am to celebrate Sandy’s life. Both will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 4 Fountain Square, Larchmont, NY, 10538. Please consider wearing a bright color to honor Sandy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations in her memory:
St. John’s Episcopal Church