SCIO – Sandra “Sandi” Charlene Massal, 80, beloved wife of Nicholas “Nick” E. Massal, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from her home in Scio, where she resided for the last 17 years. Born at her home in Visalia, Calif. on August 23, 1943 to Dallas Franklin and Kathlyn Theodotta (Matthews) Wolfe, Sandi grew up Visalia, and graduated from Visalia High School in 1961.
Sandi spent some time in the Los Angeles area doing a variety of things, including training to be a flight attendant. She also spent several years in Washington DC, working for the Navy Department, where she learned to drink coffee – an old Navy /Marine Corps tradition! Sandi worked as a librarian at Visalia Public Library for more than 20 years. Family lore says that she personally read every book that came into the library before cataloging and shelving it, as she had an insatiable appetite for reading all manner of books. Sandi retired from the library in 2000.
A few years later, she and Nick were married in California, and soon after moved to Scio. Sandi loved her home and loved spending time at home. She was tenacious about keeping her house clean and orderly. She took delight in watching the birds from the porch where she often relaxed while enjoying a glass of wine after long stretches of gardening. She kept a well-stocked candy jar on the coffee table. Her homemade pistachio nut pudding and deviled eggs were a hit at the holiday meals.
Interestingly, while Sandi truly loved spending time at home, she also had a not-so-secret wanderlust. She and Nick spent a good portion of the year traveling the country, primarily to Oregon and California. The travel trailer never really had time to grow a layer of dust, as Sandi was happy to be on the road. Special “on the road” memories included Yosemite National Park and Monterey, Calif., the Finger Lakes, Maine, and collecting sand dollars on any nearby beach.
Sandi was a unique character, often coming across as a reserved, private individual. But to those who truly knew her, she revealed an impishly enchanting sense of humor with a delightful giggle and smile. She had a quick, and sometimes, mischievous wit. Her favorite treats were chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate. She was thought to be Willie Nelson’s biggest fan. She enjoyed the color turquoise and loved to drive Jeeps. Sandi also had a special affinity for moose, collecting their likenesses in any form.
She attended Wellsville Bible Church. She created a joyful environment for the people there with her goodwill, laughter, bright smile, and a twinkle in her eye.
Sandi loved her family deeply and was known not only as a crazy Aunt, who was tremendous fun, but also as “Auntie,” “Hannie,” and “Sandi Sue.” She was caring to all who knew her and was thoughtful in all she did. In August, Sandi’s family honored her with a written tribute to the “80 Ways She is Unique and Special.” Sandi loved truly and was truly loved.
In addition to her husband of 21 years, Nick Massal, Sandi is survived by her sister, Patricia Kalman of Grants Pass, Ore.; a daughter-in-law, Trina Aiello of Visalia, Calif.; three granddaughters, Ashley Aiello, Allison (Dr. Benjamin) Garner, and Andrea Aiello; one niece, Renee (Randy) Benson of Grants Pass, Ore.; one nephew, Eric (Margaret) Kalman of Gilbert, Ariz.; and two daughters, Julie (Joe) Vidal of Euless, Tex., and Suzanna (Denver) Stoner of Murphys, Calif.
Sandi was preceded in death by her son, Larry Aiello; her daughter Andrea Aiello and a brother-in-law, Richard Kalman.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday (December 16) at 1:00 p.m. at Wellsville Bible Church, Andover Road, with Pastor Daniel Kenyon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sandi’s name may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. © 2023 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.