In Memoriam

Ellen H. Sanford
1943-2026

COOPERSTOWN—Ellen H. Sanford, a lifelong area resident who will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community, peacefully entered into eternal life in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at the Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 83.

Born August 7, 1943 in Utica, Ellen was one of three daughters of Dr. Lysle Nelson Harrington and Agnes “Peg” née Underwood Harrington.

For many years she taught fourth and fifth grades at Edmeston Central School.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, John W. Sanford III, of Cooperstown; her daughter, Elisabeth Smith-Price, and husband Kevin of Otego; her son, Peter Smith, and wife Kim of Burlington Flats; a granddaughter, Sydney Smith, and wife Erin; a sister, Nancy Harrington Booth of Brooklyn, Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by former husbands Stephen William Smith III in 1992 and Ralph E. Chamberlain in 1999, and a sister, Janet Agnes Harrington Hall, in 2017.

Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.

The Office of the Burial of the Dead will be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with the Reverend Nathan P. Ritter, rector, officiating. Immediately following the service in the church, Ellen will be laid to rest in The Ecumenical Columbarium in the church-yard.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.