Sandra Catherine Orsini

1940 - 2024

Waterford - Sandra Catherine Clute Orsini (1940-2024), a beloved woman who found beauty in all things around her and lived for being with her family. Sandra, 83, of Waterford, died peacefully at home after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family Thursday, May 23, 2024.

She was one of seven siblings born in Charleston, S.C. to Sarah Catherine and William Clute. Sandra graduated from Bishop England High School and Saint Francis Xavier Nursing School, where she met her future husband David Orsini who was attending The Citadel. They married in 1963, at Sacred Heart Church of Charleston. and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. She is survived by her husband; their four children: Laura (Eric) Scott, Colleen (Bryan) Driskill, Christopher (Denise) Orsini and Catherine (Josh) Ellal; nine grandchildren: John and Alaina Scott, Emma and Owen Driskill, Nathan (Catherine), Madeleine and Marcus Orsini, Emily and Logan Ellal; and one great-grandson Liam Orsini; and her two sisters, Susan Sloan and Lisa Roscover. She is predeceased by her mother Catherine; father William; brothers, Patrick and Robert; and sisters, Mary Claire and Sheryl.

Sandra was an avid gardener with a great love for hydrangeas which filled most every corner of her yard. She also had a great affinity for whimsical decorations and twinkling lights that brought her and those around her joy. You could always find her in the kitchen baking and cooking for her ever-expanding family. Her passion was spending time with her family and close friends, and she loved making every celebration special for her grandchildren. Although she moved to New England, a portion of her heart remained in Charleston. She loved visiting her family there, spending time on the beach searching for sand dollars and sea glass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Harkness or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at St. Joseph Church, corner of Montauk Avenue and Squire Street, New London. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. To view Mrs. Orsini's online memorial, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com.