Tsambika "Sandra" Panais-Caruso

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Tsambika “Sandra” Panais-Caruso, who joined the Lord on September 5, 2023. She was reunited with her husband John, sister Joanne, brother Costa, father Petros, and mother Maria, who preceded her in eternal rest.

Sandra was born on December 13, 1956, in Montreal, Canada. As a young girl, she lived on a farm with her family in Cornwall, Ontario before relocating to Chomedy, Laval in 1967. Throughout her childhood, she worked alongside her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins at the family business, Saveway Supermarket, pitching in to help wherever she was needed. Her unwavering dedication to her family, coupled with her strong work ethic, left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

Sandra graduated from Chomedy High and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French from McGill University. She received a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and was certified with the Department of Education in teaching French, Educational Leadership, and Adult Education. Her passion and enthusiasm for knowledge and teaching formed the foundation for her life’s work­.

In 1978, Sandra moved to West Palm Beach Florida with her family to open up the Royal Palm Motor Lodge and Royal Greek Restaurant. It was then that she met the love of her life, John Caruso. They were married for thirty-seven beautiful years. In 1991, they opened the Dune Deck Cafe on Lantana Beach and together with their families, they transformed an old hot dog stand into one of Florida’s landmark restaurants.

Sandra started her career as a French teacher at John I. Leonard High School, and eventually became an assistant principal in the Dean’s office. In 1995 she joined the Department of Adult and Community Education as an Instructional Specialist, where she found her purpose in life. Throughout her career, she attempted to create a positive and exciting learning environment for students– providing them with the necessary resources to believe in themselves and make a difference in their communities. For more than twenty-five years, she designed and implemented programs and curricula that accelerated GED graduation rates, inspired and trained teachers, and formed partnerships with community organizations that eliminated barriers and provided services needed for student success.

In retirement, Sandra established the Heroes Foundation of America–a non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities and support services to GED students and recent graduates who otherwise would not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals. The foundation has helped thousands of students fulfill their professional dreams through scholarships, support services and counseling. The Heroes Foundation was built on Sandra’s firm belief that education is essential to a healthy community and positively impacts the quality of life of individuals and families. Sandra had the ability to see beyond barriers, focusing instead on endless possibilities and personal potential. Nothing made her prouder than seeing students realize their dreams through hard work, dedication and investing in their futures.

Family and faith were the cornerstones of Sandra’s life. She was guided by her deep love for God, her devotion to her family and her enduring pursuit of helping those in need. She nurtured those around her with love, wisdom, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, teaching them the values of respect, loyalty, and hard work.

Sandra was a faithful member of St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in West Palm Beach where she served on the parish council, the Philoptochos Ladies Society, and as a devoted Sunday School teacher. In 2007, she volunteered to update the church by-laws to help fulfill the needs of the local parish.

Her love for her faith and her family guided her throughout her life. She placed great emphasis on establishing lasting friendships and creating a warm and loving atmosphere for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Her home was a place of warmth, where laughter and love filled every corner. The bounds of her influence extend far beyond the confines of her earthly existence, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Her legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the honor of sharing their lives with her. Her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will serve as a guiding light, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have on the world.

Sandra is remembered in love by her beloved Godchildren, sisters-in-law (Daisy Panais, Mae Caruso, Susan Caruso), brother-in-law (John Calomiris), and the Panais, Caruso, Tsakon, Carrano & Calomiris families, including her cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles & an abundance of close friends.

Friends and family may honor her life Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 7:00PM to 10:00PM with Trisagion Service at 8:30PM at Dorsey- E. Earl Smith Funeral Home and Lake Worth Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33461. The Funeral will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11:00AM at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 110 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church or the HEROES Foundation of America, www.heroesfoundationofamerica.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dorsey-smithmemorygardens.com for the family.