Sandra (Sandy) Taranovich Lasky

Proctor, VT & Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

Sandra (Sandy) Taranovich Lasky, 80, passed away peacefully after a very courageous battle with cancer on April 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the home of her son and daughter-in-law where she lived for the last year of her life.

She was born in Proctor, VT on July 9, 1945, daughter of Match J. and Ella (Hamilton) Taranovich. She was a lifetime resident of Proctor. Sandy graduated from Proctor High School in 1963. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Castleton State College and later a master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University—accomplishments that reflected her determination and deep commitment to helping others.

As a single mother on welfare, Sandy raised her two sons while working on her education to better herself and her family, building a meaningful and successful career in psychotherapy. Her first professional position was with Rutland Mental Health as a crisis worker and eventually managed the crisis team. Later she took a position as a psychotherapist for CHP and Kaiser Permanente. This led to her private practice, of which she was extremely proud. The special bond she built with her clients was one of her most treasured accomplishments. She was a woman who found joy in both the quiet beauty of the Green Mountains and the vibrant turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Sandra lived a life defined by her love for her family and her adventurous spirit. For many years, she split her time between Vermont and her home in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas. She cherished a major part of her winters there, where she became not only a familiar face, but a local, and a member of the island community. She found great peace at her favorite places, Receiver’s Beach and her beloved Wesley Methodist Church. When in VT, she belonged to the Furnace Brook Wesleyan Church in Pittsford.

Above all, Sandy was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in watching them grow and thrive. She is survived by her two sons, Perry Douglas Lasky and his significant partner Kathryn Avayou of Gilbert, SC, and Paul Douglas Lasky and his wife Daisy of Rutland, VT; her grandchildren, Gavin Lasky of Chicago, IL; David Thar and his wife Karley of Shrewsbury, VT; Kenny Thar and his husband Scott Margol of West Hartford, CT; and William Lasky, a student at George Washington University; her great-grandsons, Leium, Gavyn, Wyatt, and Matthias.

She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Taranovich) Ritchie and her husband Douglas of Southbury, CT; her sister-in-law, Judy Taranovich of Proctor; and several nieces and nephews: Sarah Purrington, Todd Ritchie, Joshua Taranovich, Megan Minkler and David Parker. Sandy also leaves behind many close friends, whom she considered family, as well as the many clients whose lives she touched so deeply and were a very special part of her life.

She was predeceased by her father Match J. Taranovich, her mother Ella (Taranovich) Hamilton and her brother James T. Taranovich. Sandy will be remembered by those who knew her for her independence, her feisty spirit, and the lasting memories she created in the two places she called home and, more than anything, she did it her way.

In keeping with her generous spirit, contributions in Sandy’s memory may be made to Furnace Brook Wesleyan Church, 3325 US-7, Pittsford, VT 05763. 

A service and celebration of Sandy’s life for family, friends and clients will be held on May 30, 2026, with details to be announced at a later date.