Mary Jean Sanda, 91, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015.
She is survived by her husband Edward Sanda; sons James Rode (Barbara) of Tucson, Ariz., Jack Rode (Helen) of White Field, N.H.; stepchildren Edward Sanda, Jr. and Carol Mallette; brother Reverend Anthony Grecco of La Anna, Penn.; sisters Freda Close of Newburgh, N.Y. and Luigina Dzenutis (Peter) of Canton, Conn.; grandsons David Rode of Punta Gorda, Fla., and James Rode of Celebration, Fla.; and all of her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Rode.
Born Mary Jean Grecco to Media and Jack Grecco in Thomas, W.Va., her family moved to Hoe Avenue in Bronx, N.Y. where she grew up and graduated from Walton High School.
In 1946, she married James Rode at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and spent happy years raising sons James and Anthony, and beloved daughter Justine in the Bronx, N.Y., where they owned and operated Jim & Joe’s Candy Store on the corner of Wallace and Burke for nearly two decades.
In the early 1970s she moved to Tucson, Ariz., and continued her passion for helping others through volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Hospital, managing the gift shop. After surviving her first husband, she was blessed to marry Edward Sanda in 1989 and together they have enjoyed 25 years of travels, cruises and family occasions.
Sanda’s devout love of our Lord Jesus Christ, selfless and hospitable nature, and her ready smile are her legacy. She ushered at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church for Saturday afternoon Mass, lent a hand to neighbors whenever they were in need, and arranged holiday gatherings for family and community members.
Sanda supported numerous charitable foundations and as an avid animal lover, coordinated donation drives and actively volunteered at the Humane Society of Vero Beach where she most recently adopted her beloved “Missy.” The Heron Cay community will long remember Sanda’s library group, her Mahjong classes, and will miss her during water aerobics sessions at the pool.
Although we mourn her loss, we rejoice in her reunion in Heaven with her blessed daughter, Justine Nobrega, brother, Joseph Grecco and her beloved parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, P.O. Box 64, Vero Beach, Florida 32961. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th Street, in Vero Beach. A prayer service will begin at 5 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.