We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our mother, Pearl Mae Sanford-Walter, 79, on Monday, July 6 at Hospice of Humboldt House.

Pearl was born To Nellie Sanford and William C “Bill” Sanford on August 24, 1946 in Eureka. She was born and raised in Eureka.

Mom was a bright soul whose loss will be felt all the rest of our days.

Mom was a Rowdy Rooter in her younger years. She would say, “be bad or you’ll regret it when you’re old.” She met her forever partner, Patrick, and got married in Eureka in 1996. What a pair they were until he passed away in 2004. She had many jobs but was really happy when she landed the job at Mission Linen. She had to retire due to fighting cancer. She ended up volunteering at the Senior Center, where she met a lot of good friends, but especially Earlene with whom she shared a pact when they died they would come back to scare people! Watch out for two very short ghosts.

Mom loved her family spending time together and laughing together.

She loved all things sparkly, anything sweet anytime and making time to just be. In her spare time she loved beading her crystals, bunco, painting, gambling ,reading, music and just being lazy sometimes.

Mom lived at Silvercrest her last years. She loved the community, events and friends she made.

Mom is survived by her children, Gary Gilbert and family, Greg Gilbert and family, Allen Preslar Jr. and family, Amber Sanchez and family; her brother Edward Sanford and family; her sister-in-law Petie Galbraith and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Walter; her mother, Nellie Sanford, and her father, William C. Sanford; her brother, David Galbraith; her sister, Cecilia Chiasson, and her grandson, Christopher Gilbert.

When you remember me, I hope you’ll think of my blue hair, my love for all you, to dance if there’s music, eat sweets for breakfast, do what you say cause your words is everything, love each other and hang a light in a tree for me so I can find my way to you.

There will be no funeral.

A special big big thank you to her friends Eleanor and Mona. We appreciate you!

Thank you to Hospice of Humboldt. If anyone would like to make a donation to Hospice of Humboldt in mom’s name she would love it.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pearl Sanford-Walter loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.