Obituary of Sandra Lee Rettagliata

Sandra “Sandy” Lee (Eaton) Rettagliata passed away at the age of 79 on December 28, 2023, at Lodi Memorial Hospital after an abrupt and severe illness. Sandy was born on February 26, 1944, in Sacramento to Charles and Helen (Boley) Eaton.

Sandy graduated from Amador County High School in 1961. She was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty, a good student, a natural athlete, and a band majorette. Her love of bowling led her to meet her future husband, Donald, at a bowling alley. They married in 1963 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson. Their 60 years together were full of hard work, devotion, dedication to family, traveling, fishing, golf, and cheering on their favorite teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, the Sacramento Kings, and University of Michigan football. Her love of bowling never waned - she played on multiple leagues and served as league secretary for many years.  Bowling led her to the formation of many precious and treasured friendships.

Sandy was a dedicated employee. She worked for more than thirty years as an administrative assistant, safety instructor, and office manager for numerous mining companies in Northern California. Sandy loved to read and could get lost in a book, no matter the time of day or where she was. She adored her Boston Terrier, Buster, who brought her absolute joy! 

Most importantly, Sandy was an exceptional wife, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, niece, cousin, neighbor, and friend.  All those she encountered owe her a debt of gratitude for the love, kindness, support, and care she provided. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles, and Helen Eaton; her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Jack Baker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law John (Junie) and Blanche Rettagliata; and brothers-in-law Emmett Rettagliata, Manuel Laveratto, Stanley Hogg, and Ken Billigmeier.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband Donald Rettagliata and their faithful and loyal dog, Buster.  Sandy is also survived by her sisters-in-law Millie Laveratto, Elsie Hogg, Flora Billigmeier, Irma Brusatori (Ambrose) and Ida Rettagliata.  Additionally, she leaves behind a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at Daneri Mortuary in Jackson, CA. A graveside service to follow on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 1:00p.m. at the Sutter Creek Catholic Cemetery in Sutter Creek, CA.

Sandy was a patriot and proud supporter of our armed forces. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Warrior Foundation - Freedom Station at https://www.warriorfoundation.org.