Sandra “Sandy” Somes-Franklin-Santora

Forever Loved – 83 Years of Life, Laughter, and Love

Sandra “Sandy” affectionately referred to as “Miss Sandy” by many and lovingly called “Granny” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, with family by her side. She was 83 years old.

The oldest child out of eight, she was born in New Hampshire and raised in California from the age of 14 . Sandy’s life took her from the sunshine of the West Coast to the heart of New Orleans, and finally to Las Vegas, where she built a home filled with love, laughter, and family. She was the definition of strength and grace: kind, hardworking, and endlessly loving. She raised her two daughters, Skye and Dayna, always putting her family first, and her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was beyond measure.

While living in New Orleans, Sandy and her husband, Donald Santora, proudly owned and operated Spinelli’s, an infamous local favorite Italian restaurant. After moving to Las Vegas, Sandy worked at the Cannery for over 20 years, proudly providing for her family and earning the respect of everyone she worked with.

Granny’s home became the heart of the family, and she was always the “hostess with the mostest.” There was always a fresh pot of coffee brewing, a sweet treat waiting on the counter, and a warm invitation to sit and stay awhile. She loved her Coca-Cola, doughnuts, and black coffee, and she never turned down a little Crown Royal. Elvis was her favorite musician by far, but she had a special place in her heart for the songs “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner and “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. She absolutely loved sunshine and will forever be our sunshine.

Her days were filled with family, and her grandchildren will always cherish the many memories she created with and for them. From making her famous chocolate fudge to tending her beautiful rose bushes to planning festive holiday celebrations, she was always doing things to make our days special.

Sandy was loved and cherished by so many. Her kindness, humor, and unconditional love touched everyone who had the joy of knowing her.

She is survived by her youngest sibling, Lisa Somes, as well as her Daughter, Skye, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

Her family is taking time to plan a celebration of life that reflects who she was: warm, welcoming, and full of love, and one that allows all of her friends and family, including those out of state, to join in honoring her beautiful life. Any and all donations will go to her family to make those arrangements.

Sandy leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and family that will live on forever in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and endlessly celebrated.

“There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow

Oh my Lord, no trouble, trouble I see

There will be peace in the valley for me.” – Elvis Presley

“I pray you’ll be our eyes, and watch us where we go

And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know

Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace

To a place where we’ll be safe.” – “The Prayer,” Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli