Sandra J. Bruno

Sandra J. Bruno, 79, of Providence, passed away on December 6, 2025, in the Elmhurst Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Claire (Ranallo) Bruno.

Sandra's journey began where determination and compassion intertwined, characteristics that would define her remarkable life.

Sandra was a true trailblazer from her teenage years, exemplifying leadership and care for the community. At a young age, she channeled her altruistic spirit into founding Girl Scout Troop 29, an inclusive troop that welcomed physically handicapped girls from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cranston. This early endeavor not only showcased her pioneering vision but also set the stage for her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Despite facing her own battles with Cerebral Palsy, Sandra's dream to serve those in need propelled her toward the noble profession of nursing. With tenacity and self-reliance, she charted her path into healthcare and became a cherished nurse's aide. For a remarkable twenty-five years, she tended to residents at a nursing home, offering not just medical assistance but also a reservoir of empathy and kindness.

Sandra's disability never defined her; it only highlighted her extraordinary ability to override life's challenges with resilience and sociability. Her presence in the assisted living community where she resided was nothing short of transformational. She became the effervescent spirit who ran bingo nights, ensuring that laughter and camaraderie echoed through the corridors. Her leadership extended to the spiritual realm where she responsibly managed the facility's chapel, nurturing the faith and unity among residents.

A woman of many interests and talents, Sandra found solace and joy in painting. Her intellectual curiosity led her to explore the realms of history and politics through the stories told in audiobooks. Additionally, Sandra's competitive spirit and zest for life were evident in her participation in the Cerebral Palsy Special Olympics, where her drive and enthusiasm were an inspiration to many.

Above all, Sandra was a devoted and faith-filled individual whose optimism and religious devotion were inseparable from her essence. She lived a life in accordance with her strong Catholic beliefs, and her faith was a fountain of strength that she generously shared with those around her.

Sandra is survived by her sister, Cheryl Masciarelli and husband Steven, of North Providence, her cherished nephews: Paul M. Masciarelli, of CT, and Mark J. Masciarelli and wife Jessica, of PA, and her adored great-nieces: Lucy and Nora Masciarelli, both of PA. Her nephews and great-nieces were her world.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM in St. Ann Church, 280 Hawkins Street, Providence. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, https://www.cerebralpalsyfoundation.org/ 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.