Rebecca Lee Sanford

Rebecca Lee Sanford, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away Sunday, April 13th, 2008 in Scottsdale, after a sudden illness. Rebecca was born to Warren and Mary Sanford on June 16th, 1976 in Phoenix, Arizona. She grew up in Phoenix the only daughter with 6 brothers. Rebecca attended St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary school and Camelback High. At the age of 15, while riding in the back of a pickup, she was injured when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the Beeline Highway. She was left a quadriplegic. She valiantly worked for many years in rehabilitation until she was able to live independently. Rebecca did not sit idly by but took very good care of herself by her diet, working with a therapist and personal trainer. Rebecca loved her family unconditionally and her friends with abandon. She did not judge by appearances but by character. Many times she took chances on people and projects and was rewarded by the love and devotion of those to whom she lent a helping hand. She was beautiful inside and out. She kept in touch with her elderly relatives, sending cards and gifts and making telephone calls when the recipient could speak on the phone. Some of these people she would never see during her entire lifetime. Rebecca had the softest, kindest heart imaginable. She was loved by all who knew her. She loved animals more than most and worked tirelessly for their benefit. She would provide for any animal in distress and those who just needed a little extra attention. Rebecca is survived by her loving father, Warren Sanford and step-mother Shirley Sanford of Phoenix. Her brothers are Norm Sue, Tony Amy, Jim Wendy and Paul Tiffany of the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, Kevin of Avondale and Jeff Pam of Las Vegas, NV. She had many nieces and nephews who she spoiled shamelessly. Last but not least are her beloved “feline kids” Winnie, Tigger and Piglet who gave her a reason to get out of bed some mornings. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lee DeFrank Sanford of Chicago Heights, Illinois. Services will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7655 East Main Street, Scottsdale, on Friday, April 18th. Visitation will be at 9:30 A.M. with Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.