Santina Ruffino "Sandy" McMillan, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 8, 2025, in Middletown, Connecticut.

Born on June 20, 1945, in Melilli, Sicily, Sandy was proud of her heritage and all she accomplished after emigrating to the USA in 1956.

Growing up in Middletown, she made lifelong friendships that helped her learn English and the culture of a new country. She learned these things quickly to the point where she helped translate for her parents in important matters such as the purchase a home and buying cars. Her education was further showcased in her counter job at the New York Bakery. On busy Sunday mornings, she would amaze customers by adding their orders in her head. This is something she talked about often. Sandy graduated with honors from Middletown High School as a member of the National Honor Society.

Sandy's greatest pride was in the family she built with the love of her life, John. They met at Xerox Education Publications in Middletown. After marriage, they moved to Portland and raised their family there. Sandy was a dedicated mother and supported her children, Laurie and Jamie, in all their activities over the years. From girl scouts to little league, she never missed an event! As her children grew, Sandy turned back to professional life holding meaningful positions at Aetna and the State of Connecticut Department of Education and Training. She retired from the State in 2007.

With both her and John retired, they enjoyed traveling the country. They especially enjoyed the US southwest, California and Myrtle Beach. They especially enjoyed bringing home meaningful reminders of their trips, whether adobe christmas ornaments from New Mexico or lamps from Arizona, they all told a story.

Outside of work and family life, Sandy found happiness in gardening and crafting. With neighbors and friends; she joined the "craft club" and "garden club".  Over the years, special relationships developed and the project making slowed down. What started as productive meetings to create projects grew into dinners and outings with close friends.

Sandy loved her sisters dearly.  They were always close, but after losing their father, they became even closer while spending time with, and caring for their mother. They liked playing cards and taking day trips, especially to the casinos.

She was known for her caring nature and generous spirit. Whether through a thoughtful gesture or a kind word, Sandy had a way of making people feel special. She loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren.

Sandy is lovingly remembered by her sisters Josie Cameron and Anna Foreman (Bill); her daughter Laurie Bald (Kevin); her son Jamie McMillan (Tracey); and her cherished grandchildren: Maria, Aaron, and Allison; Ian and Connor. She was also beloved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of more than 50 years, John; her beloved parents, Phyllis and Frank Ruffino; and by her brother-in-law, Bill Cameron.

Her family is grateful for the loving care that she and John received from family, friends, and select caregivers throughout their struggles with dementia.

Calling hours will be Monday June 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, CT. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday June 17, 2025, at10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Church, Middletown, CT, with burial to immediately follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery.

Donations in Sandy's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at http:\\act.alz.org\goto\SantinaMcMillan