Santina “Sandy” Oreta Cassesso, 91, of Medford, passed away on December 28, 2024. Sandy was born on March 3, 1933 to Giacomo Torardi and Rosina Cucinotta in Boston’s West End. Sandy graduated from Julie Billiart High School in 1950 and started her first job as an administrator at First National Stores.
In 1954, Sandy met Joseph (Joe) Cassesso at a YMCA dance. Sandy and Joe later married and had two daughters, Lorraine and Jo-Ann.
Sandy was a loving mother, grandmother, and beautiful soul who took pleasure in the simplicities of life. She enjoyed summers in Cape Cod with her sister and brother-in-law, dancing with her grandchildren, watching old movies, and spending time with her family, especially during the holidays.
Although Sandy is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.
Sandy was predeceased by her husband, Joseph (Joe) Cassesso, her sister, Camille (Millie) DeGregorio, and her brother-in-law, Louis (Louie) DeGregorio. She is survived by her daughters Lorraine Cassanos and Jo-Ann Winston, and son-in-law David Winston; her grandchildren Krista Cassanos, Demi Cassanos, Emily Winston-O’Keeffe, Isabel Winston, Chloe Winston, David Winston; and great-granddaughter Leo Alexandria Bialach.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Sunday, January 5 from 4-7 PM and again on Monday, January 6 at 10 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in Saint Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Saint Michael Cemetery, 500 Canterbury St., Boston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Rogerson House, 434 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA 02130, which took such excellent care of Sandy.