ROCKLAND – Sandra Lee Caven, 74, died peacefully at her daughter’s home, surrounded by friends and loving family, Friday, October 27, 2017.

Born in Rockland, April 9, 1943, she was the daughter of Francesco and Eleanor Gray Baudanza. Educated locally, she attended Rockland High School.

After high school, Sandra began her first job working at the Humpty Dumpty Restaurant, located where Stella Maris Home is now. Sandra loved this job and it began a long career in the restaurant industry. For many years she worked tirelessly caring for her five children. Sandra's home was always open, and she was a 'mom' to many more than just her own kids.

In the summer of 1963, Sandra married Richard Rytky. After just four short years of marriage, Mr. Rytky died an untimely death, leaving her with two children and one on the way. She continued working hard, serving for many years at the Wayfarer Restaurant.

Later in 1968, Sandra married her soul-mate James Caven. Together they shared many years of marriage, and remained very close even after their marriage ended.

Sandra was loud, outgoing and outspoken. Her family said her bark was worse than her bite, and she would do anything to help others. She loved to play BINGO and cards, especially poker, usually winning when she played.

She was active in the lives of her children, and she loved having her family around. When her sons were young, Sandra organized a basketball team called the 'Misfits'. Comprised of kids who had been cut from the organized team, Sandra helped those boys win the state championship in that league.

She took great joy in her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved nothing more than curling up on the couch with them and her doggies to watch movies, especially horror movies.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by both husbands; and a brother, Alan Baudanza; Sandra is survived by her children, Richard A. Rytky, Jr., of Warren, and the mother of his children, Jayne Gaffney of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Francesco A. Rytky and his wife Karen ,of Cushing; Eleanor E. Stone and her husband David, of Owls Head; Aleisa Roach and her husband, Mark, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Walter Caven and his companion Suzanne Gardner, of Rockland; her siblings, Frank Baudanza and his wife, Debbie, of South Thomaston; Linda Leon and her husband, Jorge, of Rockland; 11 grandchildren, Richard A. Rytky, III, Randall R. Rytky and Chelsea Tremblay, Jessica Carter, Amanda Lynch, Shannon Stone, David Stone, Jr. and Kaitlen, Cassandra Roach, Mary Roach, Mark Roach, Jr., Nicole Caven-Gardner, Devin Ranquist; four great-grandchildren, Landon Stone, Scarlett R. Stone, Daniel James, Mariah Caven-Gardner and one more on the way. Over the years Sandra has had a special place in her heart for her four-legged companions including, Oreo, Sammy, Chloe, Chance, Tucker and Tom-Tom (the cat). She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 9, 2017. Interment will follow at Achorn Cemetery.

To share a memory or condolence with Sandra's family, please visit their book of memories at www.bchfh.com.