November 11, 1917 – February 26, 2023
Ruth (Samuelson) Alla, known to her friends and family as Sandy, passed away in her sleep at 105 years, on February 26, 2023. A resident of Winchester since 1952, she had lived the past three years in Reading with her daughter and son-in-law.
Sandy was born November 11, 1917, in Newman Grove, NE, the 3rd child of Carlton Luther Samuelson and Lily (Sahlstrom) Samuelson. Her musically gifted parents instilled in their five children a great love of music and deep faith.
Sandy was part of the Greatest Generation. While working for the government in Washington, DC Sandy met a handsome Marine at a USO dance. He proposed to her on Pearl Harbor Day and the rest is history. When World War II ended, they moved to Massachusetts, where Adolph join his father in business.
They lived in Arlington, Medford and finally Winchester where Sandy was a member of the Home and Garden Club, the WSPCA, and the EnKa Society. She enjoyed gardening, hosting dinner parties and traveling with her husband and their friends. She derived great pleasure from playing the piano and frequently provided the musical accompaniment for programs, fashion shows, club meetings and nursing homes.
Sandy is survived by her daughter Mary A. Bastiani and son in law Anthony V. Bastiani, by her three grandchildren Andrea B. Archibald (David), David A. Bastiani (Laura), Allison Ruth Bastiani, her seven great grandchildren, Ethan, Avery, Benjamin, Leo, Ian, Cole, and Mia, by her sister Jean S. Larson and by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Adolph Arthur Alla, Jr., and her siblings Archie, May and Rodney Samuelson all of MN.
Visiting hours will be held at the Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St., (Rte. 38) WINCHESTER on Thursday, March 2nd from 2-4pm. A funeral service will be held at the Parish of the Epiphany, Church St. Winchester on Friday March 3rd at 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester at 2pm. For online condolences please visit www.lanefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the EnKa Society Unrestricted Endowment Fund, PO Box 993, Winchester, MA 01890 or to the Winchester Seniors Assoc., Inc., Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Rd, Winchester, MA 01890.
