Sandra R. Paton-Witkes

Sandra Ruth (Atchue) Paton-Witkes, of Auburn, passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, December 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. After a long battle with cancer and several other health issues, Sandra fought with quiet strength and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Born in Worcester, MA, on March 6, 1941, to Helena (Lacava) and Lawrence Atchue, Sandra devoted her life to her family and her work. She worked as a special needs teacher’s aide for 15 years at Belmont Street Community School, where her patience, kindness, and love for children were evident to all. She also served as a food services event coordinator at UMass Memorial Hospital for over 25 years before retiring.

Sandra’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was lovingly known as “Grams” by her grandchildren and “GG” to her great-granddaughter, Gracie, whom she adored. She was active in the Auburn Bowling Leagues, bowling twice a week with friends, enjoyed trips to the casino, and never missed a Red Sox or Patriots game on TV.

She is survived by a son, Kelly James Paton and his wife Melinda of SC; a daughter, Robin Desimone and her husband Robert of Auburn, MA; her grandchildren, Bryan Desimone and his fiancée Kelly Reil of Charlton; Alana Gow and her husband Ian of Worcester; a great granddaughter, Gracie Gow; her siblings, Barbara Gagne of Worcester; Albert Atchue and his wife Diane of Spencer; Ken Atchue of Auburn; David Nordstrom and his wife Jen of NC; and extended family, Francis Dipadua Sr (brother-in-law) of Spencer; Phylis Atchue (sister-in-law) of Colorado; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Lawrence, Donald, and Dennis Atchue; Janet Dipadua; Sylvio Gagne.

Calling Hours and Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Calling Hours will be from 9 am until 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a procession to an 11:30 am Funeral Mass in North American Martyrs Church, 33 Wyoma Drive, Auburn, Rev. Nicholas Desimone, presiding. Interment will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery in Worcester.