Caroline G. Sanford

July 15, 1942 - July 25, 2020

Despite it all, music gave her wings.

Saturday July 25, 2020, Dr. Caroline Gage Sanford died of cancer in her home in Berkeley, California. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942 to George B. Gage Sr. and Carol D. Gage, Caroline graduated from Rhodes College (then known as Southwestern at Memphis). She married Dr. David M. Sanford. Determined to make her own path in the world after having two children, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Memphis (then known as Memphis State University). While practicing clinical psychology in the Memphis area, on a lark, she bought herself a guitar for her 40th birthday. From that day forward she dedicated herself to the enjoyment and spreading of Old Time and Bluegrass music. The world is a much noisier and better place for her.

Her daughter wrote “Mom got the hell out of Dodge. Her garden was blooming outside and she thought -screw all this coughing, I want to sing. What a fierce, independent woman full of firecrackers and glass glitter.” She is survived by her two children, Byron M. Sanford and Taska E. Sanford, and her 3 granddaughters. An online memorial will be held August 29, 2020.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Caroline’s memory to the Augusta Music Festival which she loved attending for many years, including an energizing session in the last few weeks of her life. You can donate online here

https://www.dewv.edu/augusta/content/online-donation

Once there, earmark your donation for the “Augusta Discretionary Fund.” On the second page, designate your donation “In Memory of Caroline Sanford.” All funds designated in her memory will be used to put together a future week of programming that she would have loved to experience and would love for others to experience.

Despite it all, music gave her wings. Saturday July 25, 2020, Dr. Caroline Gage Sanford died of cancer in her home in Berkeley, California. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942 to George B. Gage Sr. and Carol D. Gage, Caroline graduated from Rhodes College (then known as Southwestern at Memphis). She married Dr. David M.Continue Reading

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Caroline was a firecracker.

In memory of Caroline G. Sanford, Debbie Zeller lit a candle

I loved Caroline. She was a great singer. Will always remember "Going to the West."

Singing with Caroline made me feel good. She cannot be replaced but she will be remembered ,

8/26/2020 We were shocked and saddened to learn of Caroline’s passing. I have many fond memories of our musical get togethers in mid-town Memphis. Caroline was special. To Byron and Taska we send our heartfelt condolences. Karen and David Weis Belmont, MA

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Caroline G. Sanford, Lea VanMerkestyn lit a candle

Loved playing music with Caroline. Such a warm and fun person! Prayers and love to her family.

The Collierville, TN, Historic Town Square Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Jam sends our sincere condolences to Caroline’s family and friends. May she rest in peace when she is tired of pickin’ and singin’ in that angel band.

Caroline is happy singing in heaven now and tending her garden. She was a true Renaissance Woman and a wonderful singing buddy, bead hound, fellow psychologist and so much more. I'm playing "Ripple" today in her memory and "long may she wave" on the Other Side. She will be deeply missed on this one.

Your roses are still blooming!

My old friend and singing buddy. I will miss you very much.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.