Sandra Claudette (McDonough) Wurth

On January 16th, 2023, Sandra Claudette Wurth took her last breath here on Earth, covered in prayer and surrounded by loved ones.

Sandra was born on January 27, 1935, in the Queens borough of New York City to Joseph and Alexandria McDonough. She spoke fondly and often of the place where she grew from child to adult. Sandra never quite lost the accent she gained there—in her last years, nurses and staff would often comment on the way she talked, curious of her origin and enamored with her sweetness.

In September of 1956, Sandra married Richard Joseph Wurth, Sr., at St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church in College Point, Queens. The young couple embarked on a beautiful journey into togetherness, cultivating a love that lasted for the rest of their lives, a love that lives on through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sandra never met a stranger, smiling at and starting conversations with nearly everyone who crossed her path. She was always good at making others feel invited and believed in feeding people, in making them laugh, in giving gifts and advice. All who knew her will smile remembering her love of shopping, her sense of style, and her many quirks.

A talented artist, Sandra leaves behind a scattered trail of drawings, paintings, and crafts; she loved to create and would share her creations with family, friends, and neighbors.

In fact, Sandra would share anything she had in hopes of being a blessing to another living being.
Even as her mind began to fail, Sandra’s ability to love unconditionally never faltered. This capacity for love was her greatest strength; it will live on in our hearts and memories.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Wurth, Sr., as well as her son, Richard Wurth, Jr. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy Bennett of West Jefferson, NC and Sandy Wurth Starkman of New York as well as daughter-in-law, Karen Wurth, son-in-law, Terry Bennett, and son-in-law Andrew Starkman, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by eight grandchildren who she took great pride in; Jessica Bennett Minerva, Dusty Bennett, Ashley Wurth, Austin Blevins, Alexis Blevins Higgins, Jenny Wurth, Tommy Wurth, and Robert Wurth, as well as 13 great grandchildren. There are several nieces, nephews, and their children as well.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Brother Tommy Wurth. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral service on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

The family will be meeting at the home at 712 Ridge Avenue in West Jefferson.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, 3470 U.S. Highway 221 North, Jefferson, NC 28640.

We also ask that you do something kind today in remembrance of her—smile at a stranger, help your neighbor, buy someone’s lunch. Sandra spent her life paying it forward even when she had nothing left to give. Our hope is that every person who reads this performs one act of kindness that is met with kindness and so on. Small acts of love together are enormous.