Obituary

Sandra Edith Melendez, 72, passed away in the comfort of her own home surrounded by family on November 13, 2025.

Sandra was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Virgilio Perez and Adelaida Rivera. She graduated from Hoboken High School, class of 1971. Following her graduation, she attended training as a Keypunch Operator in Jersey City, New Jersey. She then pursued a career as a pharmacy clerk in New York City’s Beth Israel Medical Center.

She met and married the love of her life, Angel Melendez, in Hoboken, New Jersey. They were married on June 12, 1976 at St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church where Sandra was a member of the “Daughters of Mary” and Angel was a member of the “Holy Name Society”. Sandra and Angel celebrated 49 years and 5 months of marriage. Sandra then traveled the world with Angel who was enlisted in the U.S. Army. They proceeded to raise a family. Her children, Brian Angel and Keith Angel were born in the same city as herself in Puerto Rico.

Sandra enjoyed many things in life including, jewelry making, collecting stamps, Beanie Babies and crystal figurines. She also enjoyed cross stitching and cooking authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Most of all, she enjoyed her time with her family. Upon retirement, Sandra enjoyed sailing the seas with her husband on many cruises and visiting different countries. Sandra had a big heart and was always thinking of others, especially in times of need. She would frequently donate necessary items to various shelters for battered woman. Among these items were TVs, clothes and even vehicles. When Puerto Rico suffered through hurricane Maria, she was quick to help her brother in law and his family. During the Covid era, she bypassed vacationing in order to help other family members. Sandra also sent other items to family members in need such as TVs, computers and money. Her kindness will never be forgotten.

Sandra was predeceased by her mother, Adelaida, father Virgilio, step father Ismael Lopez and her firstborn son, Brian Angel Melendez. Surviving, in addition to her husband (Angel), are her son, Keith Angel Melendez and his wife Lauren, her grandsons Julian Brian Melendez, Levi Shore and her brothers Angel “Tito” Perez and Orlando Lopez.

A service and remembrance will be held at 11AM Friday, November 21, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lees Summit, Missouri. Her final resting place will be in Lees Summit Historical Cemetery.

Any monetary donations should be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital which held a special place in her heart.