Sandra M. Gertz

DATELINE: WARWICK

GERTZ, SANDRA M. (Yuffee), 85, Wednesday, January 30, at home. She was the beloved wife of the late Junius “Babe” Gertz.  Together they celebrated 54 years of loving marriage.

Born in Cambridge, MA and raised in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Anna (Ringer) Yuffee. Sandra was a graduate of Hope High School, and she attended Beth Israel Nursing School. A longtime resident of Cranston and Narragansett, she recently moved to Warwick.

Wherever Sandra was, she brought smiles and laughter and the desire to brighten the lives of others.  She enjoyed many long and rich friendships, and was well-known to many Rhode Islanders as singer-comedien, Sandy, of Carol & Sandy.  She was a founding member of Temple Sinai and its Sisterhood, and she sang as a member of the choir for many years.  A matriarch of the family, she loved to cook and host the family on holidays and special occasions, where food and spirit were in abundance.  In addition to being a fun and supportive grandmother to her five grandchildren especially when they were young, some of her favorite times were on the stage in lead roles with the Coventry Players. For Sandra, all the world was a stage and she loved music, singing, entertaining, and making people laugh with her great sense of humor.

Devoted mother of Barry Gertz and his wife, Sandy, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Shelley Sigal and her husband, Andrew, of Warwick, Nancy Gertz of Newton, MA and Betsy J. Gertz of Sarasota, FL. Dear sister of Lester Yuffee and his late wife, Sandra, of Bethesda, MD.  Loving grandmother of Anya, Stefan, Jeremy, Lauren, and Julian and adored step-grandmother of Elizabeth and Mark. Cherished great grandmother of Sadie, Charlie, Penelope and Alice. Loving aunt of her nieces and nephews. Sandra was crazy about animals, and most notably Opie, her beloved pup.

Funeral services will be held FRIDAY at 11:00 a.m. in Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Sinai, the ASPCA, or the charity of your choice. Shiva will be observed at Greenwich Farms, 75 Minnesota Ave., Warwick on Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m.

21 Comments

  1. David & Diane Ritchotte
    Jan 30, 2019

    Barry, Sandy, Jeremy & Lauren,

    Dave & I are very saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing – she was one in a million and will be sorely missed. Always cherish the memories – they will keep her (and your Dad) ever close. I’m sure Babe is smiling now that she’s with him once again, cutting his pear for him. :)

    Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

    Dave & Diane Ritchotte

  2. Eve Stern & Don Iverson
    Jan 31, 2019

    Our hearts go out to all of Sandy’s family as you process the loss of this matriarch. Sandy has always treated me and my children with love and affection. I am so glad to have gotten a chance to spend time with her and Nancy a few months ago on my trip back east. As always, she welcomed me with a huge smile, good jokes and an abundance of food. Her real mark on this planet will be remembered by the impressive children and offspring she and Babe nurtured over the decades. With loving thoughts and sympathy for your loss.

  3. Bob Mills (Williams)
    Jan 31, 2019

    I feel lucky, very lucky, to have known Sandy. It was always such a pleasure when she visited our store – Dorothy Williams.
    She just “lit the place up” by her presence.
    We all know her way with humor and talent. She was part Martha Raye and part Barbra Steisand – and always a classy lady.
    I send my deep sympathies to her family – you lost a real jewel.

  4. Bob, Marcy and Max!
    Jan 31, 2019

    Sandra brightened up our neighborhood for all
    The years we had the pleasure to live across the Road
    From her on Lenox Road in Cranston. She was the
    First person to extend a welcome to us when we moved
    In and we will never forgot it. She was proud of her home she built and the family she and her beloved “Babe” raised in it. Our hearts go out to her Family and friends. She has been missed around here!!

  5. Michaelstrashnick
    Jan 31, 2019

    Dear barry and shelley..Iam so sorry about your loss..Sandra was a very special lady first class..and she will be missed RIP Sandy

  6. Susan & Michael Rodrigues
    Jan 31, 2019

    So sorry to learn of Sandra’s passing. We all loved her very much and know how much she will be missed.
    Wishing you peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.

  7. Jim Deffley
    Jan 31, 2019

    Barry So Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing May the prayers and knowledge she is with your dad again comfort your whole family

  8. Stanley Freedman
    Jan 31, 2019

    Dear Children,
    Wish you strength during these
    trying days. Have loved your entire
    family since meeting in 1965.
    Everyone has sweet memories of
    mom. Shalom

  9. Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow
    Jan 31, 2019

    I am so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was a love; always a smile, chat and hug, whenever I saw her.
    My deepest condolences to you all, I hope all of your wonderful memories will help during this difficult time.
    Much love,
    Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow

  10. Marvin Wasser
    Jan 31, 2019

    Ellie and I had the opportunity to spend additional time with Sandra every Tuesday for a few years when she sang in the Chorus of East Providence. We drove together and talked about all kinds of things. She was one who loved music and performing for an audience. She was unable to participate for the past few years, but loved being a part of Shireinu, and we often came home to a message from her on our answering machine, sending good wishes. She was “sui generis”. R.I.P. Sandra. Keep singing.
    Marvin Wasser

  11. Susan Rice
    Jan 31, 2019

    Barry,
    So very sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a very special lady. My prayers go out to you and your family in this sad time.
    Babe and Sandy..together again.
    God bless,
    Susan

  12. Susan Silberberg
    Jan 31, 2019

    To Betsy and Nancy and all your family,

    I send my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mom. I first met Sandy many years ago during a trying time in my life and remember her warmth and vitality. May you hold happy memories close in your heart and may her memory be for a blessing.

    Love,
    Susan

  13. Linda Gershon
    Jan 31, 2019

    The entire Gershon family extends their sympathy to your family. My parents loved her as did we. She opened her arms to everyone and made people feel special. I personally felt her love when my parents passed away. Remember the good times of which I know she created many.
    Love
    The Gershon family

  14. Dennis Byrnes
    Feb 1, 2019

    My deepest sympathy to the Gertz family.
    Sandra and I became close friends over the last dozen or so years.
    Sandra was a guest in our home on many occasions and always kept us in stitches with her baudy humor.
    Sandra was a brilliant and loving woman who took a genuine interest in the people fortunate enough to be her friends.
    She will live on a in my heart as long as I live.

  15. Harriet Wasser
    Feb 1, 2019

    I always enjoyed talking with your mom. Sandy was always upbeat whenever I saw her. Whether it was at the Cranston YMCA, Temple Sinai, or Greenwich Farms Sandy always had a welcoming smile. She enjoyed talking with everyone of all ages and all backgrounds. In fact, Sandy sat with my mother-in-law, Shirley Wasser, in the dining room at Greenwich Farms. I will always remember her!
    Harriet Wasser

  16. Neshama Siner
    Feb 1, 2019

    Condolences on your mother’s passing.
    Your beautiful mother was a dynamo and leaves a beautiful legacy. May her memory be a blessing for you always.
    Love and caring, Neshama

  17. Glenda and Lazar
    Feb 2, 2019

    We share our deepest condolences to the Gertz families. We will always treasure the special moments we shared. She will be happy to be dancing on a new stage with Babe.

  18. Sue Oclassen
    Feb 2, 2019

    Dear Gertz Family,

    Sandra was extraordinary, generous, effervescent, bold and especially warm to all. When she looked at you, you felt tremendously accepted and valued; I know I did. She was justifiably proud of her wonderful, growing family. With you, I mourn her loss and am so grateful to have known her.

  19. The Migneault's
    Feb 3, 2019

    We extend to all our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. Sandy was a special lady with an infectious smile and upbeat personality. Over the years as she was driving up the hill, she ‘d stop at our corner of the street to share a few words, pleasant wishes, and always a couple of laughs. May she rest in peace with her beloved Babe.

  20. Billie and Charles Fischer
    Feb 9, 2019

    We remember your mom for her warmth and outgoing personality. She always had a good joke to share and was so much fun to be around.
    We want to send our sincere condolences to her family.

  21. Carol and Edwin Brooklyn
    Feb 20, 2019

    We enjoyed being together with Sandra and Babe on many occasions. They were a pleasure to know and well respected in the community. Sorry for your loss.

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