Sandra G. Montrone

OBITUARY

Sandra G. Montrone passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the 20 family members who were always the center of her world. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, the life she lived leaves a legacy of faith, compassion, intelligence, generosity, and unconditional love that will resonate through every person fortunate enough to have known her.

Sandra Rosalie Gaudenzi was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1941. In grade school she became a well-admired dancer, which continued throughout her life. She attended Scranton Central High School in the 1950s, where she embraced student life with energy, enthusiasm, and a natural gift for bringing people together. She was a majorette, served as a class officer, President of her sorority as well as the Junior Red Cross, and Future Teachers of America. It was also at Scranton Central that she met Paul. By their senior year, they were a couple, beginning a journey of 68 years together defined by devotion and shared faith.

Although life eventually took her far from Scranton, Sandra remained deeply connected to her roots and the values formed there: hard work, humility, service to others, and a steadfast Catholic faith.

Sandra began her professional life as an elementary school teacher. Though she paused her formal teaching career to raise her family, her humble passion for educating and nurturing young minds remained a constant throughout her life. Alongside being a devoted mother, she quietly gave her time to tutor elementary students, teach CCD, and actively support the PTA. Whether in the classroom, teaching faith lessons, or cheering from the sidelines of her children’s sporting events, Sandra gave her time and encouragement with boundless warmth and humility.

Sandra lived her Catholic faith daily through active service. Her deep empathy drew her to hospice ministry, where she offered comfort to individuals and families during lifes most vulnerable moments. Her leadership eventually led her to serve as President of Seacoast Hospice, where she strengthened its foundation and expanded its reach across the region. She brought the same determination, grace, and collaborative spirit to hospice work that guided her entire life, often repeating her favorite motto: Working together to get it done!

Throughout her life, Sandra maintained a meaningful relationship with her Scranton college alma maters. At Keystone College she studied merchandizing and was on the College Board of the Globe Store in downtown Scranton. At graduation, she was also awarded a Keystonian of the Year award. She went on to Marywood University, where she was in the Class of 1963. She greatly admired the IHM nuns and studied teaching, which became her lifetime role.

Sandra viewed both these educational institutions as vital communities that helped shape her character. Over more than five decades, she led alumni engagement, guided capital campaigns, championed Campus Ministry, established the Jerome F. Gaudenzi Scholarship, and helped make possible the Marian Chapel at Marywood. In recognition of her extraordinary dedication and intellect, Marywood awarded Sandra its prestigious Presidential Medal in 2013, which can be viewed by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFVKJZRACsc&t=8s

Sandra enjoyed sharing her lifelong love of music and the performing arts with Paul. She supported Paul at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City while he was President, hosting guests at 15-20 operas each season. Music brought her tremendous joy. She was proud to support the arts through her service as a member of the Kennedy Center’s Board in Washington. Whether listening to a beautiful aria or gathering her family around the table, Sandra cherished sharing these experiences with her family and many friends over the years.

For decades, Sandra lived with Multiple Sclerosis. While the disease gradually imposed physical limits, it never diminished her sharp intellect, her radiant spirit, or her profound concern for others. Those around her witnessed remarkable perseverance, quiet courage, and an abiding grace. Even while facing her own significant physical challenges, Sandra constantly reached out to friends and family, setting aside her own difficulties to offer comfort, encouragement, and love. She demonstrated that true strength is found not in dramatic moments, but in the quiet daily choice to live with hope, dignity, and purpose.

At the heart of Sandra’s life was the extraordinary marriage she shared with her beloved husband, Paul. Through 63 years of marriage, the two truly became one as they built a life anchored in love, faith, and shared mission. As Sandras MS progressed over the years, Paul served as her constant, devoted helper, tending to her day and night with selfless love and tenderness. Their enduring partnership – grounded in quiet evenings together, shared prayer, and unwavering commitment – remained an inspiration to all who knew them.

Above all accomplishments and recognition, Sandra’s greatest joy was her family. Food and hospitality were her ways of expressing love. The savory Italian dishes and treasured family recipes passed down through generations became the centerpieces of joyful gatherings. What began as small family meals grew over the years into vibrant celebrations with over 20 family members regularly gathered around a full table. Sandra was the heart of her family: the keeper of traditions, the gentle encourager, and the quiet anchor who made everyone feel deeply valued.

Sandra is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; her loving children, Michele, Angelo, and Jerome, and their spouses; her 11 cherished grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her sister, Geraldine Colizzo; brothers-in-law Gene Montrone and Tony Montrone and spouse Lisa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, former students, and all whose lives were enriched by her kindness.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the special caregivers and friends whose compassion surrounded Sandra with dignity, comfort, and love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday August 3 rd , at 11:00 AM in the Marian Chapel located on O’Neill Circle on the campus of Marywood University.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sandra’s memory to Keystone College, Marywood University, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, St. Katharine Drexel Church or a charity of choice that reflects her spirit of faith and service.

Local arrangements are under the care and direction of the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton.

Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.

Sandra G. Montrone

July 17, 2026