Sandra M. Strafach

WESTERLY - Sandra M. Strafach, of 126 Potter Hill Road, Westerly, passed away at the Westerly Hospital on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at the age of 62 surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Edward Alberghini of Westerly

Born in Westerly, she was the daughter of the late John Strafach and Loretta Strafach.

In Sandy's earlier years she managed Paddy's Restaurant at Misquamicut Beach. She later graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree in education. She will forever be remembered as an extraordinary math teacher. She started her teaching career at Chariho High School, and then moved to Westerly High School, where she taught for two decades. As the WHS student council adviser, she helped organize and direct talent shows, homecoming dances and school blood drives. She won the 2013 Rhode Island Blood Center's 'Outstanding Improvement in Blood Drive Performance' award and the 2018 'Outstanding Committee' award. She was a mentor and tutor, while being the heart and soul of the local school community. As a teacher, her kindness, dedication, and spirit touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. It is difficult to put into words how impactful she was on her students' lives and careers. Known for her boundless enthusiasm and genuine love for her students, she made everyone feel seen, valued, and inspired to give their best.

In her free time, she enjoyed beachcombing for sea glass with her husband Ed, listening to music, going on boat rides, and meeting her students, past and present, for coffee. Most of all, she loved spending quality time with her dear friends and family.

Sandy guided generations of young leaders, teaching them not only how to organize and lead, but also how to care deeply for others. To know Sandy was to love her. Her infectious positivity and wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten. She led fundraisers at the high school and championed causes such as the Johnnycake Center's 'Adopt-a-Family' program, ensuring that less fortunate families experienced a Christmas to remember. She also helped host a prom at the Westerly Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Her legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and love - a reminder that one person's heart can truly make a difference in an entire community.

Sandy leaves behind her son, and pride and joy, Steven Miner, and his beloved fianc Lani Koppermann. She lovingly watches over her sister and best friend, Tracy Augeri and her husband Jeffrey Augeri; her brother John Strafach, Jr, and his wife Ruth-Ann; and her brother, Anthony Strafach, and his wife Andrea. She was such a loving aunt to her nephews, John Strafach III, and his wife Bianca; Peter Strafach and his wife Mary; Brian Strafach, Nicolas Strafach and Andrew Augeri; and nieces, Meredith Marinaro and husband Antonio; Dominique Strafach and Haley Augeri. She adored her great niece, Maya Strafach. Sandy also leaves many beloved cousins and dear friends.

Funeral service and Christian burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In Sandy's memory, her family wishes your support of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation:

https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/