Sandra Ann (Veloza) Cates, 66, of Assonet, widow of Brian D. Cates, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at home surrounded by family, after a long, valiant struggle with cancer. Born in Fall River, a daughter of Dolores (Santos) Veloza, of Fall River, and the late Henry V. Veloza, she lived in Assonet most of her life.

Sandra was an employee of the Freetown-Lakeville School District for over twenty years. She enjoyed spending time in the sun and watching the waves at sandy beaches, trips to Foxwoods, dinners at the Elks, and gathering with friends and family. Sandra's children and grandchildren meant the world to her, and she especially enjoyed their vacations together.

Sandra will be remembered by her many friends and family not only for the love she gave, but also for her contagious laugh, never ending stories and warm smile. Anyone who met her, never forgot her. She was able to make friends anywhere. Whether shopping at the grocery story, gambling at Foxwoods, walking the beach or even sitting on a bench at an amusement park watching her grandchildren, Sandra's inviting personality welcomed strangers to start up a conversation. Sandra is now in heaven with her true love, Brian, but she will never leave the hearts of all the people lucky enough to have known her.

Besides her mother, she is survived by: two children, Amanda Cates Nardi (husband Christopher) of Lakeville, MA, and Rachel Cates Perrella (husband Dewey) of Middleton, MA; a sister, Cindy Araujo of Fall River; six grandchildren, Jackson Nardi, Ryan Nardi, Hannah Nardi, Vincent Perrella, Charlotte Perrella, and Henry Perrella; and several nieces and nephews.

Following a private cremation, Her Memorial Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, February 8th, at St. Bernard's Church in Assonet.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of this pandemic or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!