Berlin – Ruth “Ruthie” (Strategakis) Sandini, 93, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017. She was the wife of the late Anthony “Tony” Sandini, who died in 1994. They were married for 46 years.
She was born in Marlborough, the daughter of the late John L. and Mary G. (Kelly) Strategakis, and lived there for much of her young life before moving to Berlin in 1971.
She was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School in Marlborough and was a faithful, longtime member of St. Joseph the Good Provider Catholic Church in Berlin.
Ruthie is most remembered for being crowned “Miss Marlboro” on Sept. 3, 1946. That night marked the close of a three-day welcome home celebration being given for World War II servicemen. It was held at the popular Lyonhurst Ballroom in Marlborough, where over 5,500 packed the room. Ruthie’s friends had entered her in the beauty contest without telling her, so she was completely surprised when she won. Flowers, a loving cup, a diamond ring, and a sash were given to her. Her last dance that night was with her soon-to-be husband, Tony Sandini. Two years earlier, Ruthie had been chosen by her classmates as the most beautiful girl in the class of 1942.
Early on in Ruth’s career she worked at radio station WTAG in Worcester, and at the American Red Cross in Worcester. She was working there when the 1953 Worcester tornado hit, and it forever affected her. In the 1970s, she started working at City Hall in Marlborough. She was called upon by Mayor Edgar C. Gadbois in 1972 to be his executive secretary. Ruthie loved the position, as she was the first line of defense to see the mayor, and chatted with everyone who walked through his office. She later moved onto the city solicitor’s office, serving as legal secretary to Solicitor Timothy Giblin, and then to Solicitor Kuson Haddad. Her final post for the city lead her to the city council office, serving as city council secretary, where she retired in 1989. A surprise party was held for her when she was leaving, and Dennis Hunt, former city councilor and mayor, presented her with a dozen roses.
Ruthie loved all animals, and especially all the dogs she had throughout her life. She spoke of Jojo, Freddie, and Bootsie often. Ruth was a longtime member of the Northboro Area Community Chorus, singing all the time next to Tony.
Ruthie was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was always happy and smiling; a loving, caring, and compassionate, wife and mother. Ruth was a strong woman throughout her life, even after losing her son, Alfred. Her only grandchildren, Luke and Siena, loved their “Yaya,” and she lit up when they were with her. They will forever miss seeing and being with her, but know she is happy and at peace in Heaven with the Lord.
She is survived by one son, James “Jim” Sandini and his wife, Jean, of Berlin; two grandchildren, Luke and Sienna Sandini; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Alfred Sandini, who died in 2000.
Her funeral will be held Friday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m., in Saint Joseph the Good Provider Church, 52 West St., Berlin. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, from 6-8 p.m., in the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St. Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Saint Bernadette’s Catholic School, 266 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.
