Obituary of Sandra L. Townsend

Sandra L. (Scottie) Townsend, 83 of Penn Yan, NY passed away Friday July 9, 2021 with her daughters by her side. Scottie was born April 17, 1938 in Prospect Park, PA to the late Howard and Melba Naulty moving to East Aurora, NY as a child until attending Keuka College, where she later graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. While at Keuka, she met the love of her life, Jim Townsend whom she was married to for 51 years. After residing on the farm they built, Misty Rose Acres, near Dresden for many years the two moved to Astor, FL. Upon Jim's passing, Scottie returned to Penn Yan residing at The Homestead. Scottie was employed by Yates ARC in Penn Yan before moving to Florida where she continued helping children with disabilities as a case manager. Eventually retiring, she and Jim enjoyed riding their horses on the trails in the Ocala National Forest. Scottie enjoyed painting, playing piano, fishing and Broadway musicals. Scottie also loved all animals large and small. She was an avid horse enthusiast and was very proud of the many ribbons she won while showing her Western-riding horses Misty, Rose and Tag. Teaching herself to ride English, Scottie also excelled and went on to win additional awards. She then turned her talents to teaching others to ride and care for horses at their farm. Jim and Scottie later spent many years training and racing Standardbred horses at county fairs across New York State. Scottie was never without a cat by her side, whether her beloved house cats or the many barn cats. Scottie is survived by her daughters Teri Spoor (Mark Adams) and Tracy (Doug Jr.) Marchionda; grandchildren, Trevor (Kristin) Spoor, Tyler (Dani Greene) Spoor, all of Penn Yan, NY, Anthony (Alicia) Marchionda, of Geneva, NY, and Nicholas (Laura Silva) Marchionda, of Wilmington, MA; great grandchildren Xavier, Teigan, Jayce, Juliana, Jaden and Trionna; sister, Beverly Williams of Orlando, FL, brother-in-Law, Pete Townsend, of Penn Yan, sister-in-Law, Judy Wilber of Charlotte, NC, sister-in-law Joann (Bill) Burg of Penn Yan, NY; and many nieces and nephews. Scottie was especially close to all of her "girls" at The Homestead who took care of her including Penny Jones, Christina Alvaro, Kayla Harford, and Anna Grant. In addition to her parents, Scottie was predeceased by her husband, James A. Townsend; brothers-in-law Joe Towsend, Gordy Wilber, Wally Brown; sisters-in-law Mary Brown and Patty Townsend; and nephew Fred Brown. In honor of Scottie's love of all animals, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Yates County Humane Society, 1216 Rte. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Friends may call on Saturday, July 17th, 2021 from 2-4 pm at the Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, NY 14527. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours.