Sandra Fortunato (Roth)

Born a true free spirit on June 11th 1945, Sandra grew up in the Rochester area. In her youth she enjoyed a myriad of sports, music, art, bicycle, motorcycle, and horseback riding. She also had an intense love for photography, a hobby passed down to her by her beloved father Arthur F. Roth Jr., a Kodak retiree. Sandra devoted her life to assisting those in need. Sandra received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University at Buffalo, then furthered her education at Boston University, earning a Master of Science in Geriatric Nursing. As a lifelong nurse, she was a staunch advocate of compassionate, individualized bedside manner insisting every single patient was treated with respect and dignity. These qualities taught to her by her beloved mother Elena M. Roth, a lifetime Rochester nurse who forged the woman we know and love. As an advanced practice nurse in geriatric psychiatry, Sandra held positions at Monroe County Health Department, Genesee Mental Health Center, and Rochester Psychiatric Center specializing in older adult services and community placement. When she wasn’t advocating for patients, she loved to spend her time on her farm with her son Michael. Together they raised horses, dogs, and cats, providing them a life of companionship and staying beside them deep into their golden years - a testament to her loving and nurturing treatment of all things. After she retired, she found further purpose participating in her church community. She committed herself to helping families seamlessly assimilate into the local and church communities with a welcoming smile and genuine mothering devotion.

She was, by definition, a true foodie and a lover of all things culture, theater, and film. Drawn to love near the ocean, she traveled often with her son and passed down the qualities and pastimes of her parents. She was supercharged by the unique flavors of culture and cuisine, enjoyed dishes both eclectic and classic, and had an uncanny ability to remain fully present with those around her while sharing them. She cherished mealtime as an opportunity to connect with loved ones and left a little piece of her heart at every table.

Sandra is a powerful, electric soul who loved life and lived with sincerity in every action. She is survived by her son, her family, and her friends, who will spend their lives trying to embody the compassion she exuded- compassion they will forever strive to emulate.

Calling hours will be held 4 - 7 PM  on Monday, May 12 2025 at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Road. A funeral mass will be held on May 17, 2025 at Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport at 11am.