Sandra A. Shea

Woonsocket - Sandra A. (Holden) Shea, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 13, 2024 with her loved ones by her side, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.
Born in Gilman, Vermont, she was the only child of the late Lawrence and Norma (Morton) Holden. She lived in Bellingham and also Blackstone for many years before moving to Woonsocket in 1981.

Sandy is survived by her cherished children, Barbara Chartier and her husband Mike of Blackstone, MA, Christine Hurley and her husband John of Cumberland, Timothy Shea and his wife Donna of Pawtucket, and also her companion of over 40 years, Robert E.M. Clements.

She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Christopher, Eric, Erin, Steven, Kimberly, Lauren and James. Sixteen great-grandchildren, Britney, Kylie, Noah, Desmond, Emery, Jocelynn, Kaiya, Kylee, Halle, Lilly, Ethan, Hannon, Hope, Ryan, Alyssa and Sean. Four great-great grandchildren, Rory, Willow, Trinity and Franklin. 

She is survived by two aunts, Florence Berube and Sylvia Stone of NH and one uncle, Kent Holden also of NH, many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind her beloved feline companion Lucy.

Sandy worked at Tupperware for many years in the packing department and also in customer service at Ann & Hope Outlet before retiring. One of Sandy's greatest loves was dancing.  She started dancing at Krylo Dance Studio in Woonsocket as a young teen.  She was a member of the Krylo-ettes, who performed the can-can at many venues and during Mardi Gras. After having children, Sandy went back to dancing while in her thirties and she continued to dance until she was 70.  She considered many people at the dance studio as her second family, especially Charlie Holbrook, Linda Krylo Sullivan, Robin Gautreau and Chris Allard.  She was famous for her cackling laugh and swearing while onstage, to the delight of her fellow dancers.  Many people have said that they will always remember her laugh.

Sandy loved people, talked to strangers, was always smiling and brightened everyone's day who had the pleasure of meeting her.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and her passing has created a void that cannot be replaced.  She truly was one of a kind.

A funeral home service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in the S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1583 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895 at 12:30 pm. Relatives and friends are invited.  Calling hours are from 11 am to 12:30 pm prior to the service. Because of Sandy's vibrant personality, her family requests that you wear bright, happy colors.

In lieu of flowers, in Sandy's memory, donate to your favorite charity, be kind to strangers, laugh every day and by all means, dance!

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