Sandra A Dennis

Sandra Rose Dennis, of Agawam, MA, born Assunta Rose Pacitti on August 15, 1931, died Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 92. Affectionately known as Sandy and later as Mimi, she was the daughter of Italian immigrants Antonio and Louise Pacitti (Guarini) who had thirteen children, nine of whom lived to adulthood; Sandra’s sisters Angela, Filomena, Margaret, Mary and Josephine and her brothers James, Benny and Tony, Jr. – all of which predeceased Sandra – she was the last holdout of a high-spirited and fun-loving brood.
Sandra grew up in West Springfield, graduated from West Springfield High School and then lived most of her life in Agawam. As side-hustles from her primary job of raising a family, Sandra worked at Zayre Department Stores, Agawam School System and the Providence Mother House.
She was all at once the shrewdest card player you’ve ever met and the sweetest, most thoughtful friend, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who often covered up for her grandchildren. She was the life of every party and was considered a “Socialite” at her Senior Living Arrangements – not from self-importance, but from being fond of social activities and organizing groups of friends. She loved family gatherings, lighthouses, windchimes and was happiest beating you at cards, celebrating any occasion or sitting at a slot machine.
Mimi was also very considerate – she never had a driver’s license because whenever behind the wheel, mailboxes, porches and other hardscapes had an attraction to her car.
Sandy is survived by her four children: Debra Dennis, Tom Dennis and his wife Kathleen Westhead-Dennis, Jody (Dennis) Fleshman and her husband Steve Fleshman, Scott Dennis and his wife Eileen (O’Sullivan) Dennis, as well as her seven grandchildren: Mitchell Doty, Cassandra Doty, Elizabeth Dennis and her husband Eduardo Beauchamp, Joseph Dennis and his wife Samantha (Ravech) Dennis, Matthew Dennis and his wife Elisha Mudly, Eric Fleshman, Claudia Fleshman, and her two great-grandchildren James Colton Dennis and Charles Frederick Dennis. Her son Joseph Dennis predeceased her in 1964.
Services will be held at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home - 1043 Westfield St. West Springfield, MA. Mimi requested not to have a wake, but there will be calling hours on Monday January 15 from 4-6:00 PM at Toomey-O’Brien. Funeral services take place on Tuesday January 16, 2024; 11:00 AM at Toomey-O’Brien, followed by a funeral mass at St. Thomas the Apostle at 11:30 AM with burial to follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, Kings Highway, West Springfield, MA.
We will obey Mimi’s request that the burial be followed by a Celebration of Life – there will be a luncheon at the Student Prince Restaurant on Fort Street in Springfield following the burial.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sandra’s Name to Mercy Medical Center - Palliative Care -271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.