Our beloved matriarch, Sandra Winchell, surrounded by her family, went home to the loving arms of Jesus after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Always the optimist, she fought with her whole heart, never wavered in her faith, and was so very brave, even when faced with unimaginable illness and adversity.
Sandy was born to the late Rocco and Elizabeth Esposito Gatto, the baby girl of six brothers, who forever placed her on a pedestal. She was, and always will be, their baby sister, who they lovingly called “sis”.
She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1962. Over the years, Sandy worked at the Ellwood City Knitting Mill, as an Avon salesperson, K & R Fit and Trim, Creative Color in the quality control department, and retired from Eaton Cutler Hammer. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers.
By chance, one summer night, Sandy met the love of her life, Dick Winchell, at Johnny’s Pizza Shop in 1964. They married four short months later on a beautiful fall October day, and would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this year. She was so very blessed to have known what it was like to be married to a fine and wonderful man, who loved her beyond any amount of measure.
Sandy was the beloved mother of two daughters and their husbands, Tracy and Barry Mansell, and Biba and Michael Lubenski, the best grandma in the whole world to Blake, Thomas (Kennedy), Christian (Hannah), and Elizabeth (Bijon), and most recently the proudest great-grandma to Rowan, who put a gleam in her eye like none other.
She was also blessed with angels on earth who came later into her life, Gloria, Stanley and Ryan Malack, Gloria (GG) was like the sister she never had, her lifelong wonderful friend Vera Tomaskovic, who was always by her side, her very dear friends, Clarence, Colleen, Zena, and Kathy, all of whom she cherished.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Rudy and Angelo, brothers (and their wives), Lou and Cindy, Rick and Kay, Rocky and Pat, Ray and Ruby.
She also leaves behind her loving brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Howard and Elizabeth Robertson, brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Barbara Moody, brother and sister-in-law Larry and Carole Winchell, and brothers in law: Barry Winchell, John Winchell, Otsu (Kate) Winchell, and her special nieces and nephews who were lovingly by her side.
Sandy had a wonderful life, she brought joy and happiness to those who were fortunate to have known her. There was never an “I love you” unspoken, a prayer not lifted, or a squeezing hug not given, for her loved ones. Many of her happiest and proudest moments were those spent with her family and friends, especially at Christmastime.
We will forever adore and remember your unconditional love and strength, we will stand taller and stronger knowing that you are now watching over us, our precious role model, our angel – always faithful.
Family and Friends will be received on Monday from 11:15 am until the time of the Memorial Mass at Noon at the Holy Redeemer Church with Father Mark Thomas officiating. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church on Monday by 11:50 am to form an honor guard. The funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..
Memorial contributions in Mrs. Winchell’s name may be made to the; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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