Sara Landry, 80, of North Smithfield died peacefully Saturday evening February 10, 2024 at St. Antoine Residence.
Born in Havana, Cuba she was a daughter of the late Miguel A. Gonzalez and Eulalia Isabel (Barcelo) Gonzalez. She was raised in Havana City and spent her formative years in the pre-revolutionary Cuba of the late 1940s and 1950s. Sara graduated from Havana Business College with an associate’s degree in secretarial studies.
Sara had a front row seat to history as an eye witness and participant in the tumultuous events that saw the transformation of Cuba with the ascent of Fidel Castro to power in the 1959 revolution. Sara opposed communism and supported those who were in favor of a free Cuba.
Sara left her homeland in 1962 and came to the United States. Initially settling in Miami, Florida amongst the large Cuban-American community she lived there for several years. She later lived in the Boston, Massachusetts area and South Bend, Indiana before returning to New England and putting down roots in Northern Rhode Island.
In her earlier years Sara worked at several hotels in Miami. She was later employed as the executive secretary to the president of Yachtware Research Corporation based in the historic seafaring city of Salem, Massachusetts. Sara also worked as a medical secretary for a number of years before retiring.
Sara’s Catholic faith was central to her life. She was involved with and supportive of the charismatic Hispanic Catholic moment “DeColores”. She also explored her faith with a memorable trip to the Holy Land.
Sara was very talented at creative sewing. She also gave of her time as a translator for those in need of her services.
Sara was deeply proud of her Cuban heritage. She was also a proud American who loved the United States and all that our country has to offer to those who come seeking freedom in the land of opportunity.
Sara is survived by her son Roy P. Landry and his wife Michelle of North Attleboro and a daughter Ann Marie Landry of Lincoln. She is survived by her 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was the sister of Roberto, Jesus Jose, Rosa, Anisia, Antonlin Miguel. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. Sara was the former wife of the late Paul D. Landry who passed away in 2021. Sara and Paul were married in 1967 and spent over 25 years together. Life took them in different directions upon their separation in 1992 but they remained in each other’s hearts.
Funeral arrangements for Sara are private and in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com