Midge Sanford

Mildred Power Sanford, better known as Midge Sanford, of Manlius, NY died January 11, 2018 at the age of 85 after a long battle with cancer. She was born on April 26, 1932 to Harry and Garnet Power, successful farmers of Harford, NY.

Midge attended a one room school in Harford, NY until it's centralization with Dryden schools where she was enrolled until her father's death in December of her Junior year. Her family moved to Interlaken, NY where she became very quickly popular among her peers graduating in 1949 as President of her Senior class.
Midge graduated from Rochester Business Institute as medical secretary, and held jobs in that field before marrying Samuel C. Sanford of Interlaken on June 20, 1953 and moved to Hamilton, NY as Sam completed his senior year at Colgate.

Midge then lived in Ithaca, NY from 1954-1957 while her husband completed law school. While in Ithaca her two daughters Karen Ann and Jane Power were born.

Midge moved to Fayetteville, NY where her son Samuel Cook, was born. She lived in the Fayetteville-Manlius area the remainder of her life.
Midge was a member of Onondaga Golf and Country Club, Fort Schuyler Club of Utica, Calvary Club and the Junior League of Syracuse.
Midge was an avid gardener and created spectacular gardens at her homes. Midge's gardening often drew the attention of various local garden clubs who regularly requested to include her gardens on their tours. She often traveled with her longtime friend Nita Pierson to garden tours in various locations domestically and abroad.

Midge was co-owner of Classic Sole and Seam with her two daughters. Midge then went on to manage the Crouse Irving Memorial Gift Shop until her retirement. In her later years she volunteered at the Bears Paws.

Midge is predeceased by her daughter Karen Ann Sanford on March 13, 1981 of brain cancer. Midge is survived by her husband of 64 years Samuel C. Sanford, her children Jane Sanford Cagwin and her husband Lee, Samuel C. Sanford Jr. and his partner William E. Wendt. She is also survived by her grandchildren Tyler Cagwin (Tiffany), Todd Cagwin, Brooke Karen Hull (Jonathan).

All who knew Midge knew how sincerely important they were to her and were always left with the knowledge and sense they truly mattered in this world. A gift not many are able to convey. "Such a lady" is how so many of you have repeatedly described Midge over the years. Oh how very right you all are.
There will be no calling hours and services will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House of CNY or Hospice of CNY.