Sandra Marie Rufo (nee Callaro), 71, of Dumont, passed away November 11, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. Beloved wife of Dante Rufo, Sr. for 51 years. Adored mother to Daina Ronne (widowed; Ralph), Dante Rufo (Raquel), Jamee Crotty (Terrence). Grandmother to Alexa Ronne, Joseph Ronne, Guilianna Ronne, Grace Rufo, Emily Rufo, Terrence Crotty, Jr., and Tyler Crotty.

Sandra was born in the Bronx, NY to Santo and Carmela Callaro, sister to Linda (Annechiarico). She grew up hanging out on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx with Dante, Sr. and his sister Roseanne Rufo, who introduced the two. Sandra was loved to the end by childhood friend Lina DellaSciucca and sister Linda.

She raised three children as a home maker known for her tough love, playful sense of humor, and great cooking and baking every day. Mom’s homemade cheesecake and Sunday dinners were always a hit. She opened her home to many family and friends hosting dinners and “coffee and cake” frequently. Always there for her children and taking part in their events she could always teach a lesson on the cards you were dealt. Sandra was known for telling it like it is and making others laugh, playing Rummi K with grandma and her kids. She was also an amazing daughter caring for her mother Carmela and grandmother Giuseppina when they were terminally ill.

As a grandmother limited by her battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes she always kept her great sense of humor and never complained. She would laugh with her grandkids and always be there to listen. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends and remembered for her truly one of a kind personality.

Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2024, 10am to 12pm at Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washington Ave., Dumont, NJ with a mass at St. Mary’s Church to follow.