Alexanderina Palma

Alexanderina “Sandy” O’Neill Palma of Stamford, CT died peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2018. Sandy was born on Staten Island, NY February 14, 1933 to the late John T. and Alexina MacFarland O’Neill. She grew up in Staten Island and met James Palma, her late husband of 59 years, at her sister’s wedding. In 1960 Sandy and Jim moved the family to Stamford.

Sandy’s careers reflected her understanding and connection to people, whether as a classroom paraprofessional in the Stamford Public Schools or selling homes over 30 years throughout Stamford. Her family was very proud that she started her career on Wall Street. The constant across her life was faith, family, friends, and her career filled in around the edges.

Sandy is survived by her children and grandchildren: James Palma Jr. and Kathleen (Beatty) Palma with Tim and Rebecca in West Hartford, CT; Lawrence Palma and Lorraine (May) Palma with Alison of Stamford, CT, and Kelly of Orlando, FL; John A. Palma of Fairfield, CT; and son-in-law Gregory Smith of Newport Beach, CA with Gregory Smith Jr. of Brooklyn, NY; and Erin Smith Hansen married to Kevin Hansen with (Sandy’s great-grandchildren) Elizabeth Eileen (Lizzie) and William Gregory James of Lake Forest, CA. She is also survived by her brother Lawrence P. O’Neill of Sunnyvale, CA.

She was predeceased by her son Gregory Palma, daughter Eileen Palma Smith and husband James Palma, and her siblings - Donat O’Neill, John T O’Neill and MaryBeth O’Neill Murray.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Nicholas Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT (203) 348-4949. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 10:00 am at Church of St. John, 1986 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT. Rev Frank Hoffmann will be presiding at the Mass with Rev Robert M. Kinnally concelebrating. The burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, South Main Street, New Canaan, CT.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com