Sandra “Sam” (Basnett) Tofanelli
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On August 6, 2016 @ 9:25 am In 2016,Obituaries | 33 Comments
Sandra “Sam” (Basnett) Tofanelli, of Prior Lake, MN (formerly of Littleton, MA), passed away on August 5, 2016 at the age of 58. Private family services will be held at a later time. Donations in her name to The American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
On February 9, 1958, Jim and Irene Basnett celebrated the birth of their daughter, Sandra Lee. Sam was the third of eight children, and she loved growing up in Littleton with her siblings, Deborah, Bonnie, James, Jr., Karen, Sharon, Robert and Robin. Growing up in the middle of a large family Sam had a headstrong, stubborn personality that served her well throughout her life. Growing up Sam was very active in both athletics and in the arts. She played field hockey, basketball, played the flute and enjoyed singing.
After graduating from Littleton High School in 1976, Sam attended Middlesex College where she completed her degree as a dental hygienist and spent a year living in Phoenix before moving back to Massachusetts.
Sam and Matt met at a nightclub in Westford, Massachusetts. After dating for two years, Matt and Sam exchanged wedding vows at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Littleton on a snowy Valentine’s Day in 1982. They were blessed with their first son Nicholas in 1984 followed by Marcus in 1988.
They moved to Minnesota in 1985 to start a business together. Sam took on the dual role as mother and Chief Financial Officer for EMT Engineering Sales. Sam balanced the dual career both as a volunteering mother at her children’s school, community events and athletic clubs as well as running the finances for an organization that grew to 20 employees spanning two countries.
Sam had a passion for her home where she was an accomplished cook and decorator. She loved Victorian styling and created her dream home on Prior Lake, known in the community as The Purple Palace, Barney’s House or Prince’s House. A compassionate woman Sam was the family philanthropist, donating to a wide range of local charities. She also supported the arts donating to the local theater.
Although Sam had many hobbies and interests, her biggest passion in life was her family and friends. Sam was a wonderful wife, a loving mother and a great friend. She was always encouraging and supportive of her boys. Sam would listen to them and give honest, at times blunt, advice, but still allowed her boys to make their own choices.
The morning of August 5, 2016, Sam passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a generous and passionate woman who was full of life. She will be remembered always by her husband, Matt Tofanelli; sons, Nick Tofanelli and Marcus Tofanelli; mother, Irene Basnett; siblings, Bonnie (Jef) Feehan, Jim Basnett, Karen (Brian) Richter, Sharon (Rob) Lingham, Rob (Lori) Basnett; Robin (Joe) Ashline; brother-in-law, Wayne Manni; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Sam is preceded in death by her father, Jim Basnett and sister, Debbie Manni.
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My daughter and my son Andy knew your sons. In fact Andy and Marcus found themselves in a pickle one cold night in January 1993 (I’m somewhat guessing) They inadvertently drove my husband’s pickup over a neighbor of yours retaining wall. It was the only time that I talked with Sam and learned what a delightful woman she was.
She was so totally positive and hospitable on that very very cold night. Andy would tell me how well she fed him. He like to go to Marcus’ house to see Sam as much as Marcus. I send you my prayers and my condolences. We have lost a good woman. May she rest in peace.
Matt and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Linda and I will always remember Sam fondly from our times together at the old Barry Controls sales meetings. She was full of fun with a great sense of humor.
Again, sorry for your loss, and our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Matt,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife.
My prayers are with you and your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. We send peace and healing energy. Love Steve and Judy Mausolf
So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing, peace and love to you and your family.
Nick,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Although I never met your Mom, by getting to know you, she did a hell of job raising an amazing son! God Bless you all!
Love, Ryan & Tiffany Bartlett
Hi Matt, Pat Gibson let me of your loss. So sorry for you and your family. I pray God will give you peace and comfort. Take care my Friend
Ed Kittelsom
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Like Mike Hamilton, Carol and I remember Sam from the old Barry sales meetings. Good memories.
Nick and Matt,
I was out of town last week and missed this news. I am deeply sorry for your loss and extend our love and care to you.
Dear Matt, Nick and Marcus,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Sam.
Matt we fondly remember the good time we had visiting with you and Sam in Napa Valley!
Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
James and Donna Davidson
Matt,
I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Chad
Oh Matthew, I just heard from Bob – I am so sorry to hear about your loss. No matter how unexpected or seen, the hole that it leaves in a life is there. I’m sorry I never got to meet her, knowing you, she had to be quite a woman. I know that I/we cannot possibly fill that hole but perhaps we can help by distraction for you for a few minutes – anytime. It must be said, even though you may not need it, if there is anything I or B. B. can do to help you through this, just let me know.
Prayers for you and your family.
Wayne
Dear Matt, Nick, and Marcus,
We were shocked to learn about Sam’s death this past Friday. I remember her as a cheerleader for both Nick and Marcus at the ski races and for her work in the race office. She was always smiling and willing to work for the Buck Hill Ski Racing Team at the meets. She was such a terrific cook and over indulged us when we had dinner in your home.
We are sincerely saddened and will keep all of you in our hearts and prayers.
Matt,
Maryellen and I extend our sincere condolences to you, and your family. From what I read, Sam was clearly an exceptional person, deeply loved by those who’s lives she touched on a daily basis.
We will keep you in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Art
Matt
Please accept my sincere condolence to you and your family on the passing of your wife. Although I never met Sam, your always glowing comments on your family life spoke volumes of the positive impact she had on the life of you and the boys. That positive and loving impact will be her lasting legacy.
Cesare
Matt, so sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers being sent..
Matt,
Sorry for you and the boys loss. It seems like only a few months ago she and I were comparing notes about our kids and poking fun at Prior Lake City Hall. She will be missed.
Brad Norris and family.
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear about your sister’s passing. I understand that you were able to spend time with her to say goodbye, which is some help. I’m sure you all miss her and feel blessed for the time you had with her. My thoughts are with you Bonnie.
Dear Matt:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Roxanne Gustitis
We are sorry to hear of Sam’s passing
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Richard ( Desi & Nancy Desimone
Toff,
I never got the chance to meet your mom, but if she raised such an amazing man as you she must have been one amazing woman.
I remember walking around the lake and my kids would ask who lived in the barbie house.
If there is anything I can do let me know, you were there for me when I lost my father and I would do anything to help. Just let me know …
Love you
Matt,
Please accept our deepest sympathies at your wife’s passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul & Angela Stupinski
Linda & I are so saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Curt & Linda Lundeen
Dear Bonnie, Jef, Matt and entire family,
We are so deeply saddened for you at this difficult time.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Jo and Stu xo
Dear Matt & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I send my most sincere condolences.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.
Carrie Davidson
Dear Matt and Nick,
I just heard about your loss, and my heart goes out to both of you. There are never words that adequately convey thoughts or feelings at a time like this, but I just wanted you both to know that I am thinking about you and will keep you in my prayers. So very sorry.
Laura Hill
Duraflex, Inc.
Dear Matt,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter Stavrous
Plymouth, MA
Dear Matt,
I just head the news and am very sorry for the loss of you wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John Daniel
Words don’t do much at a time like this.
Just know we are all thinking about you guys.
Take care
Dear Matt,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
David Dahlquist
Dear Matt, Nick and Marcus,
We were all so sad and shocked to learn of Sam’s passing. We all knew Sam to be a woman who was a great friend, mother and wife. As fellow ski racing families, we all shared so much time on the hill, in the chalets across the Midwest and Colorado, dinners together (The Stein n Steer “cook-your-own-meat” restaurant near Marquette was a favorite of the Buck Hill Team). Sam will always be in our memories of a very important part of our lives — and we will hold her close to our hearts. Our love to all of you. Sincerely, Betsy, John, Robbie, Laura, Annie and Marc Massie
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Dear Matt,
I was shocked to hear the news of the passing of your wife, Sam. I never met Sam but from the obituary she must have been a joy for your family and her community. My sincere condolence to you and your family. Sam is safe in heaven now and with her savior, the Lord God almighty. Be strong my friend.
Sincerely and with all my love,
Dave Blair