Sandy (Santina) Zanetti

Throughout each and every one of her 96 ½ years, Sandy loved life, her family and friends and never lost her sense of wonder or positive outlook.  On a dreary, cloudy day, if there was an inch of blue sky, Mom would say “Oh look, here comes the sun!”

Sandy (Santina) Zanetti (nee Midena) was born in 1929 in Sudbury’s west end. Predeceased by her best friend/husband Rick (Enrico) 2004 and brothers Fred and Bruno Midena. Sandy will be cherished and missed by her children and their partners: Debbie (Colin), Dan (Claire), Gary (Pauline), and Tom (Lorri); her nine grandchildren David (Carley), Michael (Carly), Patrick (Samantha), Paul (Camille), Kate (Dylon), Anthony (Brianna), Christina (Jake), Declan, and Connor;  her five great grandsons; Maxwell, Zachary, James, Thomas and Nathan, her sister Emma Gregor and many nieces, nephews and friends.  

Mom grew up during the depression to immigrant parents from Friuli, Italy and lived next to the tracks on Ontario St. in Sudbury.  With a garden, chickens and cows there was always enough food to share with the men riding the rails who came to the door.  With family and friends, she enjoyed watching the local baseball teams, the circus when it came to town or the fireworks over Lake Ramsey. She left Sudbury Technical School after Grade 10 and worked as a bookkeeper prior to getting married and raising a family.  Her mathematical acumen served her for years beating us frequently at cards.

She met Dad at an Italian Club dance in Copper Cliff and they shared 48 happy years of marriage.  In the early years of their marriage, they enjoyed going to nightclubs in Detroit and New York with friends. With their vision and hard work, the purchase of a tar paper shack in 1959 on Fairbank Lake became the family camp, a welcoming place for family and friends from around the world.  Happy memories continue to be shared by three generations in this very special place.  Besides the time they spent at camp they enjoyed travelling in Canada and Europe 

Mom was a quietly impressive woman who got things done without recognition. She always believed in supporting the community well into her eighties, as she sang in the church choir and volunteered with the Boy Scouts, Catholic Women’s League, and the Copper Cliff Italian Club.  She was the first English secretary for the Caruso Club’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. From October to April, for 23 years from recruitment, maintaining the standings and orchestrating the year end banquet she organized the club’s mixed bowling league generating revenue for the Italian Club.  In the summer she organized the bocce league.  She delivered Avon up the hill for 37 years and knew all the pensioners and children.  Proud supporter of all Canadian sports from novice to professional she was an avid fan and cheered all the teams on, especially her favourite player, Sidney Crosby.

Mom loved angels, watching the clouds, bowling, going to the casino, playing cards, gardening, cooking and her family and friends.  She was blessed with a long, healthy life and at 96 ½ years young she continued to remain cheerful, positive, gracious and appreciative of whatever assistance she received.  Nonjudgmental and kind, she always saw the best in others. Patient and loving, Mom always supported and encouraged her children and grandchildren in school, sports and life.

We would like to thank the exceptional care Mom received on the Trillium Wing at Pioneer Manor and Mandy for her companionship and caring support.

Those wishing to remember Sandy and celebrate life, both hers and their own, might consider doing so by spending time in a garden, listening to music, playing cards, sharing a wonderful home cooked meal with family and friends or donating to the Kids Help Phone, Jumpstart or a charity of their choice.

Mom passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. We will be forever thankful for Mom’s thoughtful, gentle heart, laughter and generous soul. We love and miss you Mom/Noni.

Funeral Service: Our Lady of Hope

591 Brennan Rd. Sudbury

Friday, July 24 at 10:30 

Family will receive guests at 9:45

Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 pm 

Lower Hall, Caruso Club 385 Haig St

Professional cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury and Crystal Crematorium.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sandy (Santina) Zanetti, please visit our Tree Store.