Sandra A Gambaccini

“When you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” After seventy-seven years of being that strength for her family, our matriarch has been welcomed warmly back to her heavenly home.

It is with profound love and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra A. Gambaccini (Meme) of Naples, Florida who left us to be with the Lord on March 8, 2026. She passed away peacefully at home embraced in the warmth of her family. A devoted mother, meme, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, she was the cherished pillar of our family, a woman of timeless wisdom whose nurturing spirit served as our steady foundation and a guiding light for us all—our true North Star.

Born on May 9, 1948 to Gloria (Gilbert) Despres and Omer Despres, and raised in West Boylston, Massachusetts, Sandra brought light and joy to everyone she met. After graduating from West Boylston Junior-Senior High School, Sandra began her journey in the nursing field, driven by a passion to care for others. While her path changed, her purpose did not. She went on to care for her community through the local business she shared with her husband at Andy’s Sunoco Service Station. Later, she traded Massachusetts winters for the Florida sun and moved with her family to the beaches of Naples. She continued to enjoy life as she rode through it (on her Harley) with a passion, leaving a trail of beautiful flowers that her green thumb had curated behind her and painting the open skies with vibrant shades of love, cherished by family and surrounded by the timeless beauty of her antique collection. Sandra leaves behind a legacy of devotion: teaching us always to choose kindness, to show empathy and to look for the good in everything. She constantly reminded us all that every one of God’s creations is worthy of our protection, our care and unfailing kindness. A talented artist in many forms, Sandra leaves behind her greatest masterpieces and most treasured accomplishments: her children, Andrew Gambaccini and Corynne Gambaccini (Will Sills); as well as her grandchildren, Madison Koury, Kalyn Hamblet, Gavin Sills, Mayson Gambaccini and Aidan Sills. Sandra also leaves behind her faithful, four-legged little shadow, Sage. Sandra’s spirit lives on in the hearts of her siblings, Linda Kuder and Paul Leonardi and she is proudly remembered by a vibrant tapestry of family and a lifetime of friends who adored her. She now is peacefully reunited with her husband, Andrew H. Gambaccini; her daughter, Sara Gambaccini; and her brothers, Joseph, Howard, George and Robert Despres along with a heavenly choir of family and friends who paved the path before her.

In lieu of tears, we invite you to honor Sandra’s memory and celebrate her life by carrying forward her legacy of compassion for all living things. Donate or just lend a helping hand that reaches children or animals in need of support. Seventy-seven years of love and a lifetime of strength. Rest now, Meme, your footprints are forever imprinted on our souls.