Sandra Dawn (Howes) DiMauro, lovingly known as “Sandy” and “Momma Rock Star,” passed away on April 28, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on October 11, 1940, in Wakefield, MA, Sandra spent much of her life in Melrose, MA, where she built a home filled with love, laughter, and open doors to family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and friend, known for her vibrant spirit and unforgettable personality.

Sandra was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rocco Ralph DiMauro, who passed away in June 2000, whom she was married to for 42 years, as well as her mother Glenna Howes who passed away in November 1986, and her brother, William Lloyd Howes, who passed away in August 1987. She is survived by her children: Sandra DiMauro of Melrose, MA; Lisa Parker and her husband, Robert Parker, of Vero Beach, FL; and Rocco DiMauro and his wife, Sylvie DiMauro, of Jensen Beach, FL.

She was a cherished grandmother to Johanna Gotlib and her husband, Stephen, of Boynton Beach, FL; Laura Ferreira and her husband, Christopher, of Dorchester, MA; Rocco DiMauro and his partner, Courtney Brennan of Rowley, MA; and Glenna DiMauro and her husband Troy Stump of Vine Grove, KY. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Eli Gotlib of Boynton Beach, FL; Rocco DiMauro IV of Rowley, MA; and Jaylen DiMauro and Brayden McKenna of Vine Grove, KY.

Sandra is also survived by her nephew William Howes and his wife, Barbara, of TX; her niece Claudia Fuller of TX; her niece Rose Sousa Grasso of Melrose, and many additional nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by “Little Shane,” whom she loved like a grandson. She was adored by her sister-in-law Roberta Kilduff and her niece Jenalyn Howes, and will be fondly remembered by her dear cousin Doris Pope and her close friend Cindy Rais-Asaro.

Sandra had a lifelong love of horses, turning her love into a Thoroughbred Horse Trainer at Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park. She also loved reading, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox. She enjoyed visits to Foxwoods, where she loved playing the slots, and had a deep passion for music and concerts, earning her the nickname “Momma Rock Star.” She loved to travel, especially to Costa Rica, where she owned a second home. She also loved cruising with family and friends. Whether near or far, she embraced every adventure and found joy in nature, often spending time on her back deck watching the birds and squirrels and entertaining family and friends.

She had a unique and lively personality—fun-loving, adventurous, and full of laughter. Sandra loved to entertain and welcomed anyone, anytime, anywhere into her home. She enjoyed cooking for her friends and family, especially on Thanksgiving.

Sandra was also generous in her giving and supported causes close to her heart, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Disabled American Veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project. She was a proud member of the Gold Star Wives organization.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Sandra DiMauro to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or St.Jude.org and Tufts Medical Center Development Office, 800 Washington Street #231, Boston, MA 02111 or givingtufts@tuftsmedicine.org

Sandra’s legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Formal attire not required.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00AM-11:00AM, followed by a funeral home service at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment to follow at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.