Sandy grew up in the southern Italian town of Atripalda, Avellino. The youngest of seven siblings, she received her master's seamstress diploma at the young age of 17 and then apprenticed with her sister Concettina (1923-) before immigrating to Canada in 1958.
Sandy was also a master of the cuisine traditional to her region. She embraced her family with her lasagna, chicken cutlets, meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana, no one ever left her table feeling hungry. She nourished us with her strong faith, her love of great food and unconditional love.
The love of her life came from a neighbouring village in the form of Mike. Devoted to one another and seeking new opportunity, the newlyweds uprooted and made a life together in Nelson, B.C., where their daughter Toni (Peter Allan) and son Peter (Carey) were soon born.
The couple's work ethic was matched by their passion for family time. Whether picnics at the lake with Fedele, Emilia, Luigi and Carmela or large gatherings with extended family, having fun, being together and sharing good food and wine defined their lives. Sandy was a devoted Nonna to Ryan (Kristin), Alex (Dione), Andrea and Sophia, and an extremely proud bisnonna to Adelaide (2017-2018). A hard working, unassuming, gracious lady, Sandy loved her family and friends dearly.
She was a favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews and was extremely proud of each member of her family. In later life, Sandy and Mike moved to Victoria to be closer to family.
Following Mike's passing in 2016, Sandy lived at Somerset House where she enjoyed walking Dallas Road and small pleasures like chocolate. She leaves us her legacy of how to be a loving, caring and supportive family. A service and celebration of life will be held in Victoria during the month of April. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers it is our mother's wish to kindly consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her honour.