The ray of sunshine and endless giver of love and treats, known simply as GG, has moved onward and upward to her new assignment of spreading joy in Heaven. Throughout her 94 years, GG believed every person deserved a smile, a kind word, and a little encouragement. She made it her life's mission to brighten each day and serve anyone in need. GG loved everyone, and everyone loved her in return.

Born in Detroit in 1932 to Rose B. Medina Feria and Alfred Feria, GG often shared happy memories of neighborhood adventures and family gatherings. She inherited her outgoing personality from her mother and never shied away from being the center of attention, especially if it involved a little sparkle. Behind that sparkling personality was an accomplished student who graduated with honors from Cass Technical High School in 1950. Encouraged by her father, she pursued studies in architecture and design—well ahead of her time.

At a party, she met the love of her life, Thomas "Tom" Sanford. They married on September 24, 1955, after Tom returned from serving in the Korean War, and built a beautiful life together filled with laughter, faith, and six children. Tom affectionately called her "Glad," (she did not love her given name), and often joked that theirs was the story of "a devout Catholic and a careless Protestant."

GG devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She learned to cook and sew, often staying up all night to finish handmade outfits for her children. She encouraged each child to "always do your best," while somehow finding time to serve others through Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and countless ministries at St. Clare of Assisi Church in Farmington Hills. She taught Catechism, sang in the choir, served in the Ladies Club, and gave generously of her time for decades until the parish closed in 2014.

Her servant's heart extended far beyond church. She remained active in the Peruvian American Club of Michigan, the Council of Homeowner Associations, and the Calligraphers Club of Michigan. Alongside Tom, she also enjoyed bowling, faithfully serving as league secretary long before computers made the job easier.

After raising her family, GG brought her warmth to a Southfield dental office, where patients and coworkers became extended family. Following Tom's passing in 2012 after 56 wonderful years of marriage, this office became her home away from home. She worked until age 88, retiring only after the office closed during COVID, having always said she would retire when Dr. Denes did.

Following her retirement, GG's children lovingly shared her among their homes. She always made it clear that she loved her children equally and never played favorites. Though she did treasure spending winters in California with Jim and Terri, where she enjoyed the sunshine, parks, zoos, and the beauty of San Diego.

GG remained sharp, mobile, and full of love until the very end. Her final hours were spent surrounded by family singing her favorite songs—a fitting celebration for a woman whose life was one joyful party. Those present could feel Tom welcoming her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Thomas Clyde Sanford. She is survived by her six children: Constance (Vincent) McClintock, Thomas (Bev) Sanford, Susan Sanford, Timothy (Jessica) Sanford, Donna (David Riemenschneider) Sanford, and James (Terri) Sanford; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her brother, Alfred Feria; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends.

In lieu of flowers or donations, GG would ask only that you perform unexpected acts of kindness for others and remember those in need through prayer. She especially cherished bringing requests for prayers to the cloistered Dominican nuns at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, and these ladies will surely miss both her visits and the treats she lovingly brought them.

Funeral Arrangements for GG:

Sunday August 2, 2026:  Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home

3:00pm – 6:30pm Open Visitation

6:30pm – Rosary

7:00pm – Time for sharing stories of GG

23720 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
(248) 474-5200

Monday August 3, 2026: St. Fabian Catholic Church for Mass

10:30am –10:55am – In state, gathering space at church
11:00am – Funeral Mass/Celebration of Life
32200 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 553-4610

Immediately following Mass, Procession to Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, Veteran section, 43300 W. 12 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48377.

Immediately following burial, please feel free to join the family for a late lunch.  Location to be announced at Mass.