Sandra Maria (Lemoncelli) Palutis, a resident of McKinney, Texas, passed away May 23, 2025 at the age of 81. She was born on June 5, 1943, to her loving parents, Rudolph Lemoncelli and Viola (Bolcavage) Lemoncelli, in Eynon, Pennsylvania. Sandra grew up in Eynon, working at Sugarman’s Drug Store, and graduated with honors from Archbald High School becoming valedictorian of her senior class.
Sandra pursued her passion for beauty by attending Scranton Beauty School to become a beautician and hairdresser, eventually establishing her own beauty shop in Jessup, Pennsylvania. With dedication and skill, she served as a beautician for over 40 years before retiring to McKinney, Texas to help raise three of her beautiful grandchildren. In 1966, Sandra was married to Jimmy Palutis, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Together they were blessed with three children: Jamie, Jeff, and Chris. She poured her heart into raising her family, offering fierce and unwavering love. Sandra was the foundation of not only her immediate family but also remained the guiding presence for loved ones back in Pennsylvania, whom often referred to her as the Heart of the Family.
Sandra’s Catholic faith was central to her life. She served in many roles, including Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in Jessup, Pennsylvania for St Mary’s Assumption Church and surrounding parishes. After moving to McKinney, she became deeply involved in her local parish, St. Gabriel the Archangel. Here, her devotion led to the founding of the Enthronement to the Sacred Heart for parishioners’ homes and established the Holy Hour of Reparations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday evenings. Additionally, Sandy was the Spiritualty Leader for her Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) Group and was instrumental in initiating the tradition of blessing the holy baskets at Easter for St. Gabriel’s.
Sandra gave her time and talents generously to those around her, volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools and community events. Her loving presence was always felt as she lit up a room with her beautiful smile and always made everyone feel appreciated and loved. Her reliability and willingness to help touched countless lives; whether she was assisting in raising her grandchildren, quietly setting the groundwork for their future success, or making everyone feel the love that always poured out of her. She brought Jesus and a positive energy with her at all times. Her unwavering faith, joy, strength, and love left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Sandra also enjoyed cooking homemade Italian food, praying, and life’s little pleasures. She kept her mind sharp by playing Sudoku, Rummikub, and building intricate puzzles when she wasn’t busy building up a beautiful and loving community.
Sandra is survived by her sons, James Palutis (wife, Debbie), of Sanford, Florida, Jeffrey Palutis, of Prosper, Texas, and Christopher Palutis (wife, Consuelo), of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren, Christian (wife, Ashlynn), Austin, Nicholas, Joseph, Gianna, Caitlin, and Danielle; great grandson, Calvin; brother, Dennis Lemoncelli (wife, Judy), of Peckville, Pennsylvania; and a host of extended family members and friends, who will miss her and cherish her loving memory.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Viola Lemoncelli, her brother, Frankie Lemoncelli, and her husband, James “Jimmy” Palutis.
A special celebration of her life Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 9, 2025. Beginning with the Rosary prayer at 9:30 AM at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney, Texas.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.