Sandra Jean Sheedy

DENNIS – Sandra Jean “Sandy” (Rappoli) Sheedy, 82, a long-time Dennis resident, passed away peacefully at her home on September 18 in the presence of her family after a brave 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was married for 51 years to John J. Sheedy, who predeceased her exactly 10 years and one day earlier. They summered in Dennis for two decades before moving permanently to the town about 40 years ago.

Born in Somerville, MA to Geno and Rosemarie Rappoli and raised in Quincy, Sandra was the oldest of five children. A 1957 graduate of Quincy High School, in her youth she danced ballet in Boston and also studied art via a correspondence course. Always creative, she designed and made clothing for herself and her children, and had a special talent at fashioning holiday costumes and decorations.

While raising her family in Braintree, she revisited her earlier interest in art and began sculpting wood. After moving to Dennis, she maintained a home art studio where she sculpted and painted, with her works being displayed in various Cape exhibitions. In 1986, she was awarded first prize in the category of sculpture at a Cape Cod Art Association member exhibition. After the death of her husband, she moved within the town of Dennis where she set up her final home studio. Half-finished sculptures and paintings tell of her continued interest in creating art even as she battled her illness.

For a time, Sandy worked outside of the home as a housekeeping supervisor. She also worked in calligraphy, crafting handmade wedding invitations. During their retirement, she and her husband enjoyed a number of winters in Venice, Florida and in the Bahamas. In more recent years she was an active member of Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church in Brewster where she volunteered in various capacities.

There was an inherent sweetness about Sandy that was easily felt by those around her. She possessed a genuine interest in others – whether family members, friends, or acquaintances – and those who interacted with her were uplifted by her presence. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and her devotion to her family was unwavering.

Sandra is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and David Cerruti of Scituate; son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Adriana Sheedy of South Dennis; granddaughter and granddaughter-in-law, Melissa and Dee Gardiner-Sheedy of Bourne; grandson, Gregory Sheedy of Mansfield; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Paula Rappoli; her sisters Denise Harris and Gina Iacovelli; her sister and brother-in-law Deborah and George Egan; several aunts; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Route 134 in South Dennis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, in Brewster. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Dennis.