On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, the world lost a shining beacon of love, laughter, and compassion with the passing of Sandra A. Chiera. A woman of remarkable wit, boundless empathy, and unwavering love, Sandra leaves behind a legacy that will forever echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Sandra was a woman whose very presence could light up a room. Her infectious laughter, warm smile, and kind words were the cornerstones of her character, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed her path. With a heart as vast as the ocean, Sandra dedicated her life to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered.
Born in Cambridge, N.Y., on Lake Lauderdale, Sandra was nurtured in the embrace of a loving family. Her father Warren McMillan owned the local sawmill and built many camps along Lake Lauderdale. The daughter of the late Mildred (Doty) McMillan, she shared her childhood with her sisters, Audrey and Nancy, learning the values of compassion, resilience, and familial love that would shape her remarkable life.
From an early age, Sandra displayed a passion for numbers, finding solace and joy in accounting. This passion guided her through her professional journey, where she excelled as a banker and staff accountant, leaving a lasting impact on institutions such as Marine Midland Bank and Albany Credit Union League.
Yet, Sandra's true legacy lies not in her professional accomplishments, but in the boundless love she showered upon her family. As the devoted wife of her late husband, Francis F. Chiera, Sr., Sandra found her greatest joy in the role of a loving partner and nurturing mother. Together, they built a foundation of love and support that would shape the lives of their children and grandchildren for generations to come.
Sandra's home was not just a place, but a sanctuary of warmth and laughter, where every meal was a feast, and every gathering was filled with joy. Her ability to whip up delicious meals with ease and her infectious laughter made her the heart and soul of every family event, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever.
Sandra's legacy of love lives on through her three devoted children, Francis F. Chiera, Jr. (and his partner, Matthew) of Salem, N.H., Mareé M. Chiera of Loudonville, N.Y., and Dominick J. Chiera (and his wife, Marta) of Delmar, N.Y. She also leaves behind her adoring grandchildren, Luca Francis Chiera, Willamia Valentina Chiera, and Carmine Francis Chiera; as well as her adorable Chihuahua, Douglass, whose lives she enriched with her boundless love and wisdom as the foundation of the family.
Though Sandra may no longer walk beside us, her spirit will forever guide us, reminding us to embrace each day with laughter, to cherish our loved ones fiercely, and to spread kindness wherever we go. In the tapestry of life, Sandra's presence will forever be woven, a beacon of love and light that will shine on for eternity.
Rest in peace, mom, and know that your love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you. Until we meet again, may your laughter echo in the halls of heaven, and may your spirit find eternal peace in the loving embrace of dad. We love and miss you.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. to the W.J. Lyons Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. Burial will be held private.