Sandra “Sandy” Lee Olmstead, 79, of North Attleboro and formerly of Holliston, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 6, 2024, following a six-year battle with an aggressive cancer. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Shelnut) Roca and Stanley D. Olmstead. 

Sandy grew up in Holliston and attended Holliston public schools, where she was active in plays, chorus, cheerleading, and dancing. She grew up in the First Baptist Church of Holliston, where the root of her faith began. She was thankful to know a wonderful, loving, and forgiving Savior. John 3:16.

Sandy loved playing the piano and organ and loved the music of the 1940s and 50s the most. She also took pleasure in dancing and singing. In the 1970s, Sandy and her 2 sisters sang in a trio at the church. She grew up with a wonderful class in Holliston where she attended many reunions over the years.  Last year was her 60th class reunion and she celebrated that with many of her remaining classmates. That became a big part of her life.

Sandy worked in banking and as a waitress, where she met many wonderful friends. She loved Facebook, where she was able to stay in touch with so many family and friends and where much of her support came from while dealing with her five-year battle with cancer. She felt so blessed and encouraged by all. 

Sandy is survived by two daughters, Sheryl Hawkins of Daytona Beach, FL, and Michelle Brown and her husband, Dan of Pawtucket, RI. She is also survived by her birth son, Stephen Rodman of Boston, who was given up for adoption in 1963, and whom she met in 1995. From that time on, they formed a wonderful and loving relationship. She will be lovingly remembered by her four wonderful grandchildren, Ashley Wojick of New Bedford, Alison Malo and her husband, Tyler of Cumberland, RI, Steven Wojick of Riverdale, RI, and Kristen Brown of Pawtucket, RI; and her one very special great-grandson, Colton Ray Malo of Cumberland. She also leaves behind her siblings on her mother’s side, Kathleen Bowles of N. Attleboro, Michael  Roca and his wife, Nanci of Attleboro, Nancy Todaro and her husband, Steven of  N. Attleboro; her brothers on her father’s side, Edward Olmstead and his wife, Lou of Florence, MA, and Richard Olmstead and his wife Marie of Swanzy, NH; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was blessed with many special cousins on her mother’s side who seemed more like siblings whom she loved and cherished very much, especially being the eldest cousin and being hailed the “leader of the gang.” She is predeceased by her youngest sibling, Deborah Cook of N. Carolina.

Per Sandy’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. After cremation, Sandy’s ashes will be buried at Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston near many of her family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org  Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston.