Sandra Creathorne

Sandra Aiellos was born to Joseph and Helen Gambuti Aiellos at Paterson General Hospital in Paterson, NJ. on Thursday, January 26, 1950. She was baptized, had her First Communion and Confirmation at St. Leo’s Roman Catholicism Church. Her God Parents were her Aunt Gloria and Uncle Chris. She was raised in Elmwood Park, NJ (formerly known as East Paterson) where she attended school. While in high school, Sandy loved to stay active including the Art Club and being behind the scenes in the school plays. During these years, Sandy met her best friend Colleen. The two would be friends for life. After graduating high school, Sandy attended Eastern Medical Institute in NYC, obtaining her certification as a Medical Assistant.

Sandy and Russ had their first date on Saturday 1/25/69 and then again on Sunday 1/26/69 for her 19th birthday. They quickly became engaged on Valentine’s Day 2/14/69. They were married on September 12, 1970, followed by a honeymoon in Hawaii. This was Sandy`s first plane trip, and after take-off she told her new husband that she would never complain about his burnouts in the Dodge Dart (muscle car) ever again. Holidays were a time to spend with family. They would visit one set of parents for the meal and the other set for coffee. The next year they would reverse the order.

Sandy and Russ started their life together in Garfield, later owning homes in Clifton before retiring in Las Vegas. Sandy and Russ had 2 children, Russell and Cindy. The family took annual trips to Baltimore to see the Orioles play and visit best friends Jack and Barbara. They also made outings to Middletown, NY for the stock car races. Another annual vacation for the family was to Wildwood Crest, NJ. After much planning, in 1989, the family hopped in the car and drove to Disney World. Many years later, Sandy and Russ would return with Cindy’s family. They had a great time with their grandchildren James and Andrew. Without the children at home, they enjoyed many nice trips including cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. They loved Alaska so much, they took a second Alaskan cruise years later with Colleen. For this cruise they drove to Seattle, WA so they could see some more of the states including Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah and Arizona. They also enjoyed two trips to CA to see the Orioles play the Angels, Downtown Disney and Universal Studios.

Family was very important to her and she wanted to be home with her children as much as possible. She often had jobs and worked shifts that allowed her more times with Russ and Cindy. For 45 years, sometimes full time, sometimes part time, Sandy worked for Dr Art and Dr Dewey. She was a para professional in the Clifton School district so she could have the same schedule as her kids. For many years she was president of that union. After the kids were off to college, Sandy became a teacher at Berdan Medical Institute. Here she helped young adults learn how to become Medical Assistants.

Although Sandy was raised Catholic, she converted to Baptist after marrying Russ. She even was baptized again. She was always active and serving in some way. She served on the Mission Board, Board of Christian Ed, Pulpit Committee and was the first female Deacon in the church. Sandy was a Sunday School teacher, helped run a youth group with Russ and ran the Summer Fun program. She enjoyed participating in the Angel Helpers (adult social group). She also enjoyed making blankets which VREBB church gave to the Good Shepard Mission in Paterson, NJ.

Sandy loved to spend her spare time reading, crocheting, watching TV. Her favorite shows were anything on HGTV, Cooking Network, Animal Planet, Hallmark (especially Christmas movies). She also enjoyed all of the NCIS`s, Hawaii 50, and Blue Blood. Her absolute favorite shows were Dancing with the Stars, The Chew and Rachael Ray.

Summer was a favorite season for the trips to the shore, mini golf, summer cookouts, and most importantly, fireworks! During the last few summers in NJ, Sandy and Russ spent many weekends with their friends Bill and Ellen, going out to eat, watching fireworks, and then out for ice cream at Friendly’s. They also loved the summer concerts at Fairlawn Memorial pool and park during the months of July and August.

Sandy always loved the winter holidays too. Making her favorites for Thanksgiving dinner and watching the Macy’s parade. Driving around to look at Christmas lights and more time with family. For decades, they would host New Year’s Eve. Over the years, the guests might change but it was always family and friends. After the ball drop, out would come the food. Usually cold cuts and salads. Most years, the same people would return the next day for a New Year’s Day feast. The Super Bowl parties were not far behind!

Once in Las Vegas, Russ and Sandy would go to the Bullring, the Las Vegas Speedway or catch a show on the strip. They would love their two weekly nights out at Sunset Casino where they enjoyed the buffet and she would play video poker game.