Sandra D. Ansaldi

WORCESTER- Sandra D. Ansaldi, 67, of Worcester, died unexpectedly on February 8, 2024 at home.  Sandra grew up in Warwick, RI, was a graduate of Worcester State, and had a career in occupational therapy where she particularly enjoyed pediatric early intervention work.  She was dedicated to the Worcester community, tutoring refugee students, helping feed seniors, enjoying her neighbors, and working for social justice throughout her life.  She loved others unconditionally and had deep relationships with people from all over the world and many walks of life.  She loved her pets; spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren; creating wildflower perennial gardens; and crafting from treasures she found. Sandra and her beloved dog, Ruby, could be found walking in her neighborhood several times a day, most often with her cherished neighbors, both canine and human.

Sandra’s closest family will miss her terribly: Carra and Drew Merrill of West Boylston, Kevin and Gwen Moyer-Wilkes of Ludlow, Ryan Wilkes and Nathan Wilkes of Worcester as well as her five grandchildren: Emerson, Ella, Harrison, Kyleigh and Genevieve, to whom she was “Nana.” She was also very close with her sister-in-law Carolyn Kaas of West Haven, CT, and her lifelong friend Cindy Bapties of Rhode Island.  Special to her as well were her cousins Lori Clarke, Martin Clarke, Elaine McQueen and Debra Spivey of Rhode Island, David Clarke of Massachusetts, and Donald Calkins of West Virginia. She also leaves behind her nieces Kate Hall-Ansaldi Reno and Beth Ansaldi both of NC , and many extended family and friends.  True to her nature, Sandra remained friends with her ex-husbands, Peter Barron and John Wilkes.  She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Gary Ansaldi and her parents Urban B. Ansaldi and Vivian (Hedstrom) Ansaldi. To honor Sandra’s memory, spend time playing with a child, walk a dog or help a friend in need.  Donations in her honor can be made to Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc., 67 Millbrook Street, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01606, or the Worcester Animal Rescue League.  A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 2nd at 2pm at her church, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 140 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA. Feel free to bring photos to share in a memory book. 

Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, is assisting the family with arrangements.