Sandra P. Elfman

Sandra P. Elfman

Sandra Phillis Elfman, lovingly known as Sandy, passed away on January 19, 2026, at the age of 68, in Melrose, Massachusetts, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sandy was born on February 21, 1957, in Augsburg, Germany, and came to the United States at six years old and settled in New York. She later relocated to Massachusetts as a young adult, where she built her life, family, and career. She graduated from diamond setting school and was skilled in her craft, but her heart ultimately led her to caring for animals. After graduating from grooming school, Sandy devoted much of her life to rescuing and caring for animals, adopting countless healthy and injured animals and giving each one love, safety, and a second chance.

Sandy was full of life and never shy about saying what was on her mind. She loved her family more than anything and faced life with remarkable strength, always looking on the bright side even in difficult moments. She was kind, funny, and deeply devoted as a mother and Mimi. Her days were filled with the things she loved most: time with family, music, cooking, the beach, her faith, caring for animals, tending to her garden-where she truly had a green thumb-and enjoying her coffee, often with a cigarette in hand.

Above all, Sandy was a mother, Mimi, caregiver, friend, and a true fighter. Her resilience, compassion, and unmistakable spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Alison Attardo; her son-in-law, Damon Attardo; her granddaughters, Payton Attardo and Maya Attardo; and her grandson, Giovanni Attardo, who brought her immense joy.

Sandy will be remembered for her strength, honesty, warmth, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many lives-both human and animal-that she changed forever.