Gladys L. (Alexander) Sandmann, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill. She was the beloved wife of the late Karl R. Sandmann, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage until his passing in July of 2010.
Born in Boston on November 7, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Violet (Tavekelian) Alexander. Gladys was raised and educated in Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School. She later made her home in Tewksbury, where she lived for most of her life and remained closely connected to her family and community.
Gladys was a devoted Boston sports fan who proudly followed the Red Sox and all of the New England teams. She had a love for travel and especially cherished her trips to Europe. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, whether gathered around the table for a home-cooked meal or sharing family traditions. She was known for her warmth in the kitchen and for passing down favorite recipes, including Nana’s famous stuffing, which remains a special family tradition.
She is survived by her loving children, Kathy Manoukian and her husband John of Tewksbury, Robert Kelley and his wife Mary of Wilmington, and Jim Kelley and his wife Margaret of Billerica. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Matthew Manoukian and his fiancée Samantha Jones, Deirdre Kelley, Bryan Kelley and his wife Taryn, Patrick Mullen, Brandon Kelley, Shane Kelley, and Erin Kelley.
Gladys was also the dear sister of Charles “Buddy” Alexander and his wife Judy of Maryland, Jeanette Bradley of Hingham, and Anne Barry and her husband Peter of Billerica. She also leaves many extended family members and friends who will miss her kindness, warmth, and love.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., followed by a procession to St. Mary Cemetery. www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com