Sandra J. Mcallister

STERLING - Sandra J. (Hecker) McAllister, 79, beloved wife of Richard “Dick” McAllister, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Hospital, Leominster Campus, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Fitchburg, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Ada Jane (Enright) Hecker. She was a graduate of Fitchburg High School, Class of 1963. Soon after graduating, she met her future husband, Dick. They settled in Sterling 51 years ago and together they raised their three wonderful daughters.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, reading, watching the birds at her feeders and tending to all her beautiful flower gardens. Sandy’s greatest joy was being a mom to “her girls”. Anyone that knew Sandy, felt an immediate connection to her. Her smile lit up the room and her hugs were strong and warm. Sandy was an especially thoughtful woman. Sandy treasured the 35 years spent with Dick at their summer cottage in Fox River – Nova Scotia. There, she loved having cups of tea with her wonderful friends, sitting on her back porch looking out at the Bay of Fundy, and just living the quiet simpler life with Dick by her side.

Sandy will be lovingly missed and remembered by her husband of 57 years, Richard McAllister of Sterling; her three daughters, Kim Schwartz and her husband, Bryan of Rutland, Pam Julsonnet and her husband, Andrew of Leominster and Allison Simoncini and her husband, Matthew of Rutland; her five cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Joe, Colby, Lindsey and Brandon; her great-granddaughter, Ellie; two sisters, Gail Stewart and her husband, Dennis of Lunenburg and Jada Lugo of Rutland; and two brothers, Mark Hecker and his wife, Kathy of New Ipswich, NH and Jay Hecker and his wife, Sonja of Durango, CO. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Norman Hecker, Jr.

Sandy’s family deeply appreciates the wonderful care and support provided by the CCU staff at Leominster Hospital during her short time there.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 10 in the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, https://epilepsynewengland.org

To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.