Sandra “Sandy” A. (Lewis) Palaza, 82, of Whitman, Massachusetts, passed away on May 17, 2025, at The Copley at Stoughton Nursing Home after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born in Whitman in 1943, Sandy was the only child of the late Charles and Mildred Lewis. A bright and driven young woman, she graduated from Burdett Business College at the age of 19, the same year she met and married the love of her life, Peter Palaza. Together, Sandy and Peter shared 62 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children.
Sandy’s life was deeply rooted in love for her family. She was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Later in life, she brought her intelligence and drive into the professional world, serving as a Customer Service Representative at US Trust in Canton, Office Manager at New England Coffee Cake, and CEO/CFO of both Palaza Electric and Palaza McDonough Tree Service.
A self-taught and endlessly curious woman, Sandy became an expert in anything she set her mind to. She was a jogger, skier, hiker, avid photographer, licensed Real Estate broker, and made time to travel and explore new places throughout her life. Her sense of adventure was matched by her warmth and creativity — and, according to her grandchildren, she was the best pancake maker ever.
Sandy, or “Mim” as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren and family, will be remembered for her devotion, her strength, and her love for all.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Peter Palaza, and their three children: Debbie (Palaza) McDonough and her husband Thomas of Bridgewater, Kathy (Palaza) Keyes and her husband Richard of Bridgewater, and Jeffrey Palaza of Whitman. She also leaves ten cherished grandchildren: Kyle, Kendall, and Riley McDonough; Anthony, Jonathan, and Olivia Keyes; and Angelina, Isabella, Lila, and Ginger Palaza.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visiting hours at Blanchard Funeral Home, 666 Plymouth Street, Whitman, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 30 School Street, Whitman. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery in Whitman.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to find the good in everyone you meet, just as Sandy did. Let kindness be your legacy, just as it was hers.