Sandra Jean (Altieri) Dion, age 78, of Whitman died at home after a short, but valiant fight against cancer on October 2, 2021. She was surrounded by her husband, son and daughter who adored her with their entire hearts.
Sandra affectionately went by the nicknames, Tippy, Sandy, and Nana, but Nana was all her all-time favorite.
Sandy was born and raised in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School in 1961. Following her graduation, she attended Labaoreeuz Secretarial School and spent much of her career as a legal secretary. However, the highlight of her career was working at MY Turn, a nonprofit that served disadvantaged youth. At My Turn, she met her lifelong mentor and close friend Barbara Duffy.
Sandy was married and devoted to John for 57 years. Her devotion, love and care for him was inspirational, as was his for her. In his eyes, the sun rose, shone and set on her. She was proud to be an Italian American and is predeceased by her parents Eleanor Reino, Charles Altieri (originally of Canosa, Italy) brothers Michael, Henry, Charles and sisters Delores and Marie, her niece Donna and nephews John and Joseph.
Sandy is survived by her husband John of Whitman, son Paul, and his wife Janet and their sons Jack of Bridgewater and Kyle of Mansfield; her daughter Sue “Lulu” Dion Robinson and her husband Rob, son Taidgh and daughter Aberash of Kittery, Maine. Sandy enjoyed being an aunt to several nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends, who she will miss dearly.
Her favorite holiday was Christmas Eve where everyone came together to feast on the traditional Italian foods Sandy grew up with. All who knew and loved her will remember her for her friendliness, generosity and smile.
She was the least judgmental person you would ever meet and found strong deep faith and meaning in the Catholic Church. She was an independent quiet powerful woman who understood the importance of being at peace alone and the comfort in living your authentic self. She would want her friends, family and grandkids to find strength in knowing how much she loved them and during this devastating loss to try and remember the fun times they shared together. She spent the past few months stating, “No Doom or Gloom.” She believed that was a waste of time. What wasn’t to her? Believing in rainbows and the helpers. Lucky for us, she was both.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday October 6th at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman from 5-7pm. On Thursday October 7, a Catholic Mass will be held at the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman at 10:30am, leaving in procession from the Chapel at 9:45 am. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery in Whitman.
Sandra was a staunch supporter of the Lokata Indians and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Indian School.