GILMANTON ---- Sandra S. Guarino, 68, of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 5, 1957, in Concord, Massachusetts, Sandra—known affectionately as Sandi—was the daughter of the late Richard and Nancy Stevens. She was a graduate of Laconia High School class of 1975. She then graduated from the University of New Hampshire, Class of 1977, with a degree in horticulture, a field that perfectly reflected her lifelong love of nature.
Sandi was widely known for her beautiful floral arrangements, delicious baked goods, and the joy she found in her gardens and horses. Her creativity, tenacity, and devotion to her family and passions were evident in all that she did, and she brought beauty, warmth, and care into the lives of everyone around her.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Donald Guarino; her son Justin Guarino, and daughter-in-law Estelle, her daughter Megan Mellett, and son-in-law Zachary, and her three cherished grandsons, Augustus, Jameson, and Harrington Mellett, who brought her immense pride and happiness. Sandi is also survived by her dear siblings: Suzanne Crowell (Robert), Cheryl Barnes, Stephanie Fogg (Michael), Richard Stevens (Lorraine), and Kathryn Bergeron (Michael). She will be deeply missed by her many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her sister-in-law Nikki Wheeler, and two very special aunts, Joanne Lende and June Kennedy.
Her memory will live on in the gardens she tended, the family she nurtured, and the many lives she touched with her vivacious spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HorsePlus Humane Society (horseplus.org), a horse rescue organization she deeply believed in.
A private celebration of life will be held for family and close friends. No services are planned.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.