Sandra M. (Calabrese) Orsino

St. Augustine, FL - Sandra M. (Calabrese) Orsino age 63, of St. Augustine and Utica, passed away on Sunday April 3, 2016 at her Florida home after a two year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Her family was at her side.

Sandy was born in Syracuse, NY, to the late Frank and Frances (Citek) Calabrese on April 23, 1952. She was raised in Utica, NY and graduated from T. R. Proctor High School in 1969. She attended Mohawk Valley Community College where she obtained certification as a Medical Assistant.a��

On September 29, 1973 she married Robert J. Orsino in St. Agnes Church, a blessed union of 42 years. Sandy worked in the medical profession her entire career and retired as the Office Manager at New Hartford Scanner/St. Luke's Hospital.

Sandy had many interests. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing traditional family meals for holidays and special occasions, and other gourmet delicacies. Knitting was a favored pastime and she joked about knitting with her "Knit-Wit" friends. Her most creative talent was making jewelry. Sandy excelled at designing unique sets of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. She appreciated music, and learned to play the piano and Celtic harp. She enjoyed annual trips to Maine with friends, and had visited England, Ireland, Italy, and the Caribbean.

Most of all, Sandy loved spending quality time with family and friends. But she was happiest when she was with her grandchildren. There could never be enough hugs and kisses. The medicine that helped her the most was the "I love you, Grandma" and hugs they gave her every time they visited.

Left to celebrate her life besides her husband and friends are her daughter Andrea Kim (John) of St. Augustine, FL; siblings Jerry Calabrese (Pamela) of Baldwinsville, NY; Patricia Calabrese of St. Augustine, FL;a�� Frank Calabrese (Sandra), Lisa Stalder (Brian); John Calabrese (Dawn); her aunts Judy Mondi (Frank) and Margaret Calabrese (Larry); cherished grandsons Alexander and Patrick Kim of St. Augustine, FL; in-laws Patricia and James Miller of Alexandria, VA; and Richard and Barbara Orsino of Webster, NY; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her many dear friends.a�� She was predeceased by her beloved son, Patrick Orsino in 2005 - always in her heart.

The family is very grateful for the kindness shown to her during her illness from the many friendsa�� in New York and Florida, and her wonderful neighbors at the Cottages at Winding Creek.a�� Their prayers, visits, phone calls, and assistance helped Sandy keep a positive outlook throughout her illness. Sandy's family wants to thank Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, MD, and the Oncology/Hematology and Urology Departments at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic for the excellent care they provided,

Anyone interested may make a donation in Sandy's name to The Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501; The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, or online to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Memorial services will be held in Utica, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday April 30, 2016 at 12:30 pm in Mt. Carmel/ Blessed Sacrament Church. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 5-8 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave.

Service

Saturday, April 30 2016