Sandra L. "Sandie" Burke-Gaudet, 60, of Naples, Florida passed away on March 11, 2022 in Naples, Florida with her family by her side.
Funeral services and burial will be held April 29, 2022 at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery for immediate family members.
Visitation for all friends and family will be 11:00AM – 12:30 PM, Saturday April 30, 2022 at Anderson–Winfield Funeral Home, 2 Church St, Greenville, RI. A “Celebration of Life Luncheon” will be 1:15PM – 3:30PM. Details and directions provided at the Visitation. To respect Sandie’s wishes, please wear your bright and colorful attire to chat, grieve and reminisce.
Sandie was born in Providence to Beverly and Edward Burke, Jr. on July 24th 1961 and grew up in Johnston. She married Richard Gaudet at her special place, Mt. Washington, NH. She considered him not only a devoted husband, but also life partner and “playmate”. They travelled the world together throughout their relationship creating many special memories.
Sandie received her undergraduate degree from Lynn University in Florida and her Masters Degree from Rhode Island College. Sandie was very entrepreneurial and opened several fitness centers and an insurance appraisal company. She also worked for several insurance companies as a Risk Manager culminating her career at Pure Insurance for 8 years . Sandie received numerous awards through out her career. Recently, Pure Insurance created the “Sandie Burke Annual Award” given to one employee annually who exhibits the quality traits that Sandie did as an outstanding employee, teammate and manager. Pure will also be donating funds on an annual basis to the ALS Foundation on Sandies behalf. Sandie was delighted when presented the award 1 week prior to her passing. Sandie was an avid snowboarder and skier. She believed in being fit and completed several running races and a triathlon. She loved her community and was involved with many committees. She was an avid believer in giving back, not only to family and friends, but charities as well. Many people would see her donning her helmet as she worked on homes for Habitat for Humanity. She enjoyed boating, golf and spending time with her multitude of friends and family members. As many of you know, she loved a good party.
Below is a letter that she wrote for those that knew her:
TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds - Rate at which a Porsche accelerates. 0-60 years old in the blink of an eye - Rate at which time flies when you’re having fun! You all know me well enough to say that’s a fairly accurate picture of how I’ve tried to live my life. As I look back on my life, all I can do is smile and think “Wow! What a ride!” I have no regrets and would do it all over again! I’m sure if I said, “remember when”; all of you could all fill in the blank with a memorable moment for sure! You all hopped on this ride at various times in my life. My family, you’ve been there from the beginning. My friends, you’ve been in my life from 44 years ago to recently. No matter when you entered my life, our relationship has been one with love, laughter and kindness. I am blessed that all of you have been and continue to be part of my journey. I am so grateful for all of you and for being there when I needed you most, Here’s to making more memories! Enjoy the party. Eat, dance and be merry! Love you all bunches, Sandie
Sandy is survived by her husband, Richard Gaudet; her parents, Beverly and Edward Burke, Jr.; her sister, Deborah Peery; her brother, Dennis Burke; her “special tribe of cousins”, Sherri McGarry, Susan O’Keefe and Trisha Babcock; Richard's children, Angie Gaudet and Richard Gaudet II, nieces: Kelsey Kurdts, Enya McGarry, Cynthia Gaudet and Sherry Gaudet.
In lieu of flowers, Sandie requested donations to continue research for a cure for ALS. She had a wonderful team of medical professionals at the University of Miami that continue to push forward for a cure.
Make a check payable to: University of Miami. In the notes section write “Sandra Burke – Gaudet, ALS Center – Ucare page) Mail to: Lena Koorse University of Miami Development & Alumni Relations Miller School of Medicine 1501 NW 9th Ave, 2nd Floor Miami FL 33136
The family also wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caring nursing team lead by Irma Mendez as well as AVOW Hospice Care, both in Naples, FL