Obituary of Sandra J McKenna

Sandra Jean McKenna, a longtime resident of Medford, passed away in Burlington after a courageous six-month battle with cancer on Friday night, May 24, 2024. She was 78 years old.

Sandra was born in Medford to Marshall and Jean Caggiano. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Medford and graduated from St. Clement High School at the age of 16, a fact she proudly shared. Her first job out of high school was as a secretary at Radio Shack in Boston, where she met the love of her life, Jack McKenna. Sandra paused her career with the birth of her first child and devoted her time to raising her four children and creating a warm and loving home. When her oldest was in high school, she returned to work part-time as a bookkeeper for Kmart.

Sandra loved the beach. When her children were young, she packed them into her red station wagon with walnut paneling and set off for daily trips to local beaches in Winthrop and Nahant. Occasionally, she would make a “quick stop” at the Wonderland dog track to catch a race or two after a long day at the beach, a pastime she enjoyed with her dad growing up. Sandra also loved the thrill of slot machines, making many trips to Atlantic City and Connecticut with family and friends over the years. She had wonderful friends who supported her and shared her interests, frequently gathering for bingo and weekly card games.

Those close to Sandra will always remember her snarky humor and quick wit, often leaving others in tears of laughter. She cherished her four children and five grandchildren, always supporting them and attending important events in their lives, including sporting events, school milestones, and birthdays.

Faith was equally important to Sandra. She planned her afternoons around streaming sermons from the famous "singing priest" in Ireland, excitedly traveling to meet him in person when he visited New England.

Sandra did not need material items to bring her joy; the company of family and good friends was more than enough. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

Sandra was the beloved wife of the late Jack A. McKenna. She was the loving mother of Darlene McKenna of Burlington, Deborah Vozikis and her husband Thomas of Burlington, the late Kevin McKenna, and the late Denise Wallace and her surviving husband Richard of Saugus. She was the treausred sister of Susan Cummins of Arlington and Marc Caggiano and his wife Rose of Florida. She was the beloved “Nana” and “Grandma” of Jerry Diaz of Wareham, Jack Diaz of Manchester, TN, Zachary Vozikis of Burlington, Jacob Vozikis of Burlington, and Shanna McKenna of Burlington.

Sandra requested that her funeral services be private.  Memorials in Sandra’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.  Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.