Sandra Carida

Sandra was the third of four children born to Dany and Margaret Niro and the youngest of three sisters. Growing up, in true youngest sister fashion she loved emulating Linda and Donna, often in the form of borrowing their clothes, many times unbeknownst to them.  She started Smalley school in first grade where she met her best friend until the very end, Lorraine. She was on the flag squad in high school and later was accepted to Seton Hall nursing school, which she decided to pass on in order to become a mother— her self proclaimed greatest achievement.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter Nicole, whom she smothered with love and affection since the day she was born. While not always well-received in her younger years, her daughter learned to appreciate the over abundance of love as an adult.  In all her years she was never described as prompt, and certainly never on time, but always showed up for the people who needed her.

There was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t do for the people she cared about. If thoughtfulness was an Olympic sport she was the gold medalist. One of her greatest joys in life was making sure her friends, family and coworkers were recognized for their accomplishments.  She had a laugh so boisterous and contagious you couldn’t help but laugh too. Her laugh was often in combination with an open palm slap on the table when something was especially funny, always attracting more attention to the joy she was exuding.  Sandra was an animal lover who loved spending time feeding the birds and squirrels outside her home. And even though she was skeptical of cats for most of her life, an impromptu visit to St Hubert’s with her daughter instantly changed that when she found herself adopting her two most beloved furry companions, Cupcake and Coconut.  Generosity was an area where she never skimped, making regular contributions to the ASPCA and wounded warriors project. Being cheap was never an option, and she had no problem correcting that behavior when displayed in others, particularly her daughter.  Art was a hobby Sandra excelled in, sketching colored pencil portraits for many family members and friends. She had an affinity for color and loved to use it as a way to brighten up life. Good quality, healthy food was another passion of Sandra’s, often referring to herself as a plant based vegetarian who will eat the occasional meatball. Fortunately, she was able to continue to enjoy so many of her favorite foods (including meatballs) up until the day before her passing.

She is predeceased by her beloved parents Dany and Margaret Niro and cherished cats Cupcake and Coconut, as well as uncles, aunts and cousins, many who were also taken before their time was up.  Sandra is survived by her daughter Nicole, her granddogter Stevie, Sisters Linda & Donna, Brother Dan, and her dearest nieces Christina, Alicia, and Veronica and nephew Anthony, as well as many more aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gathering with the family will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, Bound Brook.  A graveside funeral service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway.

Donations in Sandra's memory may be made to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at https://www.lls.org/