It is with sadness we announce the passing of Astrid (Sandy) Hanson Thalheimer of Natick, Massachusetts at the age of 80. Astrid’s love of music, culture, politics and family live on through her husband of 55 years, Lucien; son Erich and his wife Linda (of Natick, MA) and daughter Kristin and her husband Dean Bingham (of Portland, ME); brother Russ Hanson and his wife Mabelle; grandchildren William and Rachael; and numerous nephews and nieces including Verne Thalheimer; Don, Edna and Ken Hanson and their spouses and children. Astrid was born on New Year’s Day in Springfield, MA in 1931. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and attended Boston University, where she studied in the graduate School of Psychology and later got instruction in music conducting. She was involved with the Handel & Hayden Society, The Masterworks Chorale, and the Master Singers. In 1963 she founded the A Cappella Singers women’s chorale group in MetroWest Boston where she built the group up to more than fifty women and performed countless concerts. She later served as music director for two local area churches. Always intellectually engaging, spirited, opinionated and caring of others, she will be missed and fondly remembered forever. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Astrid H. Thalheimer Vocal Scholarship care of the A Cappella Singers, P.O. Box 6251, Natick, MA 01760.
Arrangements are by the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home Natick.