Sandra Jean (Gildea) Gilbert passed away at her home in Melrose, on Monday, November 11, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was only 52 years of age. Sandra was born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 21, 1961. She was raised in Watertown, graduated from Watertown High School, Class of 1979; where she was a talented athlete and tri-captain of the field hockey, basketball and softball teams her senior year. She continued her education at Westfield State University and graduated in 1983. Mrs. Gilbert was a kindergarten teacher at the Ripley & Franklin Schools in Melrose for several years and has worked the past 10 years as an executive assistant for the retirement board in the Town of Watertown. She also worked as a waitress at JJ Grimsby's Restaurant in Stoneham and at Absolute Fabulous Restaurant in Melrose for several years. Sandra has been a resident of Melrose for the past 23 years and very active with the soccer and basketball boosters in town. Mrs. Gilbert enjoyed bowling, was a big sports fan and played softball in the Melrose Woman's Softball League on the "purple shirt team". Above all else she loved her family, large extended family and friends and cherished the times spent with them all. Mrs. Gilbert was the beloved wife of Peter L. Gilbert. Devoted mother of Kelsey P. Gilbert, Kaitlin J. Gilbert and Connor P. Gilbert. Cherished daughter of the late Francis & Janet (MacNeil) Gildea. Loving sister of Jayne Gildea of Weymouth, Daniel Gildea & his wife Anita of NH, David Gildea & his wife Lisa of FL, Kellie Fitzpatrick & her husband James of NJ and Kevin Gildea & his wife Karen of Billerica. Beloved daughter-in-law of Patricia (O'Neil) Gilbert & the late Gordon Gilbert of RI. Loving sister-in-law of Ruth & Dennis Langwell of Boston, Susie & Edmond Jennings of NC, Ellen & David Barth of Northboro and Craig Gilbert of CA. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Saturday, November 16th at 8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday from 3:00-8:00PM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gilbert Family Educational Fund, c/o Melrose Cooperative Bank, 638 Main St. Melrose, MA 02176.