C. Sandra "Sandy" Starr

C. Sandra Starr of Naples, FL passed away on September 3, surrounded by family, from a sudden, short illness. Born on August 29, 1944 to Alice J. (Doherty) Starr and John T. Starr and known to those close to her as â??Sandy.â?� Sandy grew up first in Medford and then in Woburn, which became â??home.â?�

Sandy was a well-known and popular student at Woburn High and was proud of the many friendships she made there. She was especially fond of her days as a cheerleader in high school at a time when there was only one cheer squad and an invitation to join the squad was coveted.

Upon graduation, Sandy moved to Downsville NY with her first husband George Accritelli Jr. where they began a family and Sandy gave birth to a son: George Acritelli III â??Buddyâ?�. Two years later Sandy gave birth to her second son; Willian Acritelli â??Billyâ?�.

After living in Billerica, MA for a time, Sandy and her sons moved to Carrabassett Valley, ME near the Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort. While living in Carrabassett Valley, an area which she dearly loved, Sandy became involved with the Sugarloaf business community, especially Lynn Chase who became a lifelong friend. Together, the two friends helped the mountain evolve from a local ski area into the world-class resort it has become today.

Sandy was later blessed with the birth of three granddaughters and a grandson: Amica Acritelli of Phoenix AZ, Jack Acritelli (currently a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force) Emily Acritelli of Littleton, MA and Allison Acritelli of Jay, ME.

Sandy later returned to Woburn after pursuing a BS in Psychology at the University of Maine. She then went on to receive a MA in Behavioral Rehabilitation from Boston University and spent years as a counselor in the area, eventually becoming a professor at Bunker Hill Community College.

Several years after moving, Sandy attended a Veteranâ??s Day Service at the Woburn Common where she renewed acquaintances with a high school friend, Chris DeSalvo. They began dating and eventually became life partners, living at times in Ogunquit Maine, Boxboro, MA and Naples FL. They spent their time traveling to many destinations and enjoyed two years as fulltime residents of Naples FL. Meeting Chris also blessed Sandy with a second family: Linda, Donna, Robin and Steven, along with their children and grandchildren, who lovingly wrapped their arms around Sandy and they enjoyed many family gatherings where she was known as â??Grammy Sandy.â?�

Remembered as a caring mom, grammy, sister, mentor and friend, Sandy leaves a legacy of caring and kindness, as well as her much loved semi-secret recipes for lasagna, meat sauce and meatballs.

Sandy is survived by her loving partner Chris DeSalvo and family; her two sons Buddy and Billy Acritelli and daughter-in-law Denise; her sister Linda McKillop and her husband Bob as well as her cherished grandchildren Amica, Emily, Allison, Jack and a soon to be born great granddaughter. Sandy also leaves her adoring nephews Jamie, Jack and Matt.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours, Saturday, September 20th, at the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St Anthony Church, 851 Main St., Woburn at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Calvary Cemetery, Winchester.