Johan, Sandra D., 79, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on Thursday, September 13, at the Melech Hospice House in Tampa, FL. Sandy was born in Needham, Massachusetts and lived in the Boston area until she and her husband Mel moved to Sarasota, Florida in 2000. She graduated from Needham High School and went on to graduate from the Chamberlin School of Retailing. She began her retailing career at Filene’s basement in 1960 and after taking time off to raise her children became a manager of London Harness Company where she worked with Mel. Sandy married her husband, Mel in 1964 and together they raised two children, Paul and Matthew in Wayland, Massachusetts. Mel and Sandy traveled frequently together and Sandy particularly enjoyed Italy where her father was born. She loved spending time with her four grandchildren, her book club, and playing Mahjong with friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents: Elmer (Doc) and Ann DeFazio. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Melvin; sons, Paul (Cassie) and Matthew (Laura); grandchildren, Carter, Christopher, Aidan and Liam; siblings, Anne and Jeanie, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be a graveside memorial service at Sarasota National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations made in her name to a charitable organization of your choosing. Arrangements handled by Blount & Curry - MacDill 813-876-2421.
