Sandra Conner Lefler died peacefully at home in New Canaan on Sept. 24, 2024.
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.
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 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.
Sandy and I were best friends in Junior high. I wish I had known she was still living in New Canaan I would have made it a point
To see her. We did so many things together. Lots of good memories. Rip Sandy.
Mrs Lefler was my 4th grade teacher at West School in 1971-2. My family had just moved to Dan’s Highway and I had a new home and step-Father and long bus ride. Mrs Lefler’s class was a refuge in which I gained confidence, knowledge and friendships. My oldest and close friend Curt Jensen came from that classroom. New Canaan has been home to me ever since.
God Bless Sandra Lefler
My condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Bob Hamill, Board of Finance, NCHS 1980