Alice "Sandra" Matteucci

Alice Alexandria Sandra James Matteucci 1938-2026

Alice Alexandria Sandra James Matteucci, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by those who loved her. Known to all as Sandra, she was a woman of deep faith, steadfast dedication, and extraordinary generosity. She served God first, then her family, and joyfully embraced her role within every community she was part of.

Sandra shared a lifelong affection with the number 8. She was born on August 8, 1938, at 8:08 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Born in Houston, Texas, to Harry and Alice James, she was raised in Roswell, New Mexico. She attended Radford School for Girls in El Paso, where she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished until the end of her life. Sandra later completed her education at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. On August 25, 1962, she married Ralph Matteucci. Together, they began their shared mission of “gathering” people from all walks of life, creating a home known for warmth, laughter, and an open-door welcome.

In her early years, Sandra worked as a teacher in the Chaves County School System. While living in Roswell, she was an active member of the Eastern Star and First Presbyterian Church. She found great joy in being a homemaker and school volunteer and held many leadership and service roles, including Lions Hondo Little League president, PTA president, member of the Garden Club, and an Advisor for the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. After moving to Arizona, she devoted herself to Achievement Rewards for College Scientists ( ARCS) where she formed life long friendships and was just recently awarded the ARCS national luminary award.

Sandra put her whole self into insuring that every organization she was part of had her full attention.

Above all else, Sandra was deeply devoted to her children Anna Maria and Jimmy and her granddaughter Chelsi. This devotion went even deeper to include her extended family, including the many “adopted” children who lovingly considered her their second mom. She intentionally gathered her family every year, instilling in them the importance of FAMILY. Her home was the backdrop for countless dinners and celebrations where everyone—her housekeeper, hairdressers, yard men, doctors, neighbors, friends, fellow cruisers and anyone she met along the way,—felt welcomed, understood, and valued. With her calm voice and quiet wisdom, Sandra had a remarkable gift for listening. She delighted in planning every detail—from her outfit to the beautifully set table and thoughtfully chosen themes—ensuring each guest felt seen and included. Time spent around her table created memories and stories that will be passed down for generations. This was her greatest joy, her greatest legacy, and her greatest gift.

Sandra is survived by her children, Anna Maria Matteucci and James Matteucci (Heidi); her granddaughter Chelsi Matteucci Henderson (Conrad); and her great-grandchildren Corbin and Camilla Henderson. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren Mamie McKee (Ethan), Maggie Brown, Mack Brown (Olivia), Monte Brown (Morgan), and three great grandchildren, Summit, Lincoln, and Forest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alice James, and her beloved husband, Ralph Matteucci.

Sandra Matteucci's legacy of faith, family, and generosity will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

But those who loved and knew her

most will always remember , her dedication to her family, friends and fervor for life.

She went out surrounded by her family and kept the number 8 theme going to the end. She passed at 9:58 on Feb 18.

We love you Sandra.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday February 26th at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Roswell, NM.

Donations can be made in memory of Sandra James Matteucci to:

Radford School 2001 Radford El Paso, Texas 79903 or

Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Phoenix Chapter 3104 East Camelback Road, # 975 Phoenix, AZ 85016 or

First Presbyterian Church 400 West Third Roswell, NM 88201

or

The charity of your choice