Sandra Conner Lefler, 79

Sandra Conner Lefler died peacefully at home in New Canaan on Sept. 24, 2024.

Sandra’s 1962 NCHS senior yearbook photo

She was 79.

Born Oct. 31, 1944 in Norwalk, she was the daughter of Selia and Creighton Conner, Sr.

Energetic, single-minded, driven, resilient and proud, Sandra attended Center School, then Saxe Middle School and New Canaan High School, where she graduated in 1962. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport and a master’s degree in teaching from Fairfield University. 

She taught elementary school at West School in New Canaan in the 1970s, as well as in Stamford. A dedicated teacher, she preserved mementos that her young students had given her through her entire life.

Wedding day: William B. “Pop” Conner (far left) at his granddaughter Sandra’s wedding day in 1967. Contributed photo

She met her husband, Mark R. Lefler II, on a blind date, and in 1975 they had their only child, son Mark R. Lefler III.

Sandra was an avid reader, and she lived in a house full of books with her beloved short-haired cat, Mollie. She was fascinated by the Titanic and its rich history, counting a gold Titanic coin among her most prized possessions and attending regular gatherings with fellow enthusiasts. At one such get-together, she had her photo taken with James Cameron, director of the 1997 movie “Titanic.”

Sandra was a devoted Catholic and parishioner at St. Aloysius Church, where she taught Sunday School. She was a longtime member of the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. 

Sandra Conner Lefler and her husband, Mark R. Lefler II, with the original William B. “Pop” Conner sign that once stood in the path between what is now Saxe Middle School (it was the high school back then) and Conner Field, named for her grandfather. In May 2014. Credit: Michael Dinan

Sandra had deep roots in New Canaan. She was the granddaughter of William B. “Pop” Conner, for whom Conner Field is named. She also was the sister of Creighton Conner, who died while serving as a Signal Corps First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and niece of William Rodney “Rod” Conner, a medic with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, who was killed by gunfire in Northern Italy during World War II.

Her husband, Mark Lefler II, served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and their son, Mark R. Lefler III, served in the U.S. Marines. 

Sandra was the last of the Conners of New Canaan.

She was predeceased by her husband, brother and parents. She is survived by her son, Mark R. Lefler III (Natasha) of Auburn, N.Y., and grandchildren Draven and Conner.

A graveside funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 in Lakeview Cemetery.