Sandra Elizabeth DeFazio, 89 of Long Branch, peacefully passed away at home on Saturday, January 7th. Sandra was born in Newark on September 12th, 1933 to Anthony and Rose Maccioli. She moved to Long Branch after graduating from Central High School, and worked at Fort Monmouth for 25 years before retiring to spend time with her family and dote on her beloved grandchildren. She will be deeply and truly missed in this world.
She was known by many names - Sandra, Sandy, Sunny; Son to her husband; Mom to her kids; Aunt Sandra to many. But to her grandkids and most others, she was just called Nanny.
Sandra was known for her mouth-watering eggplant parm (fried of course), her sauce (cooked with meat, 8-10 hours - any other way is wrong), outrageous holiday decorations, scalding hot black tea that would burn anyone else’s tongue, the blood orange shag carpet that covered the her whole house, over the top dining table decor, her shopping addiction (the grandchildren certainly had no complaints), and most famously, her “Nanny Moments” (i.e. she once forgot she left a voicemail to her husband, listened to said message, didn’t recognize her own voice, and accused him of having a girlfriend - he was 85 years old).
Sandra had a smile that could light up a room and a giggle that ignited fits of hysteria. She was the life of the party; the first to arrive, the last to leave, and often the entertainment. She never stopped dancing, swinging her hips and clapping her hands - even while sitting.
She had impeccable style (re: see shopping addiction) and if you spotted some gray in her hair - no you didn’t. Her drink of choice was a vodka tonic and she would have traded just about anything to be on stage next to Frankie Valli. But most of all she opened her home to anyone and everyone. You always left her house 10 pounds heavier. And if you weren’t at Nanny and Poppy’s house for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter then really, what were you even doing???
Sandra loved fiercely and unconditionally. She moved mountains for her loved ones, would do anything for them at the drop of a hat, and when finished would kiss you on the cheek and hand you a twenty. She simply didn’t know how to love any other way - with her whole being, always, forever, and 100 percent of the time*.
*(Disclaimer: If you were a driver anywhere within 70 feet of her car, a mouse, a jockey that lost her money at the track, and the occasional restaurant server - this does not apply to you.)
Sandy went as she came; like a hurricane. She was always dramatic, a little reckless, and forever a show stopper. She is predeceased by Louis, her husband of 64 years, and her 7 siblings; Sal, Vinnie, Tony, Joey, Mary, Betty and Jerry. Sandra is survived by her three children; Joseph and wife Charlene, Diane and partner Steve, Joanne and partner Billy; her four grandchildren Zachary, Jennifer and husband Steve, Jessie and Danielle; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Sandra Elizabeth DeFazio was the best of us. There will never be another like her. And despite her best efforts, she never hit big on the slots or won the lottery from scratch offs. She was the jackpot. To have known Sandra at all was the winning ticket. And we are all better for it
Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 10 from 6 pm until the time of the service at 8 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
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