Sandra J. Starke

Sandra J. Starke, “Sandy”, age 64, a long-time resident of Wilmington and Tewksbury, passed away on March 13, 2023. 

Sandy was born on May 27, 1958, in Cambridge, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Frances (O’Brien) Starke and the late Willis Starke.  Sandy was raised and educated in Wilmington as part of a large, loving family. 

Sandy worked in the restaurant industry for the majority of her career; she was a fabulous cook and a friendly waitress.  Sandy worked at Vic’s Waffle House in Tewksbury and As Good As It Gets restaurant in Wilmington. She always looked forward to chatting about life with her “regulars” and everyone would say that Sandy is a "hot ticket".

Sandy’s family was her entire world; she was so proud of her three children, Lisa, Mark, and Lori.  Sandy loved to share her children’s accomplishments with her friends and her family. She was also a proud Nana to her four grandsons who she loved to spend time with.

Sandy was a talented artist; she loved to make crafts of all kinds which included woodworking, ceramics, and sewing.  Sandy enjoyed working in her garden and appreciated beautiful flowers, especially lilies and sunflowers. She loved cats and fostered many animals.

Sandy will be remembered as a loyal friend; she was kind and loving, with a huge heart.  Sandy was always thinking of others before herself and will be missed by her family and friends. 

Sandy was the devoted mother of Lisa Nadeau & her husband Shawn of Reading, Mark Duffany of Bedford, and Lori Farrington & her husband Jack of Billerica, loving “Nana” of Cole, Tyler, Hunter and Hayden, dear sister of Linda Dawson & her husband Bill of Tuftonboro, NH, Susan Perault of NY, Tanya Starke of Burlington, Robin O’Leary of NH, Douglas “Buddy” Starke of Bridgewater, and Tracey Starke of Maine.  Sandy is also survived by her former spouse and friend, Paul Duffany, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Friday, March 17th at 9:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, March 16th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.   

Memorial donations in Sandy’s name may be made to the Transplant Center, Office of Philanthropy, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805.