Sandra (Castiglione) Shook

Sandra (Castiglione) Shook, 79, died Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston after a short illness.   

Her husband of 31 years, Edwin M. “Ted” Shook passed away in 2002.

Sandy leaves two sons, Jeremy T. Shook and his wife Mary of Huntersville, NC and Matthew B. Shook and his partner Amy LaRusso of West Islip, NY. She also leaves six wonderful grandchildren: Tyler, Madeline, Teddy, Henry, Ryan and Tate Shook.

Sandy was born in Kingston, NY, the daughter of the late Simone J. and Alice (Tobias) Castiglione, and a sister to the late Kevin S. Castiglione. She grew up surrounded by many loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Castiglione and Tobias families. She was a graduate of Kingston High School and completed a secretarial program at Albany Business School.

In 1971, she married Ted and relished becoming a member of the Shook family of Harvard, MA and Antigua, Guatemala. Together they settled in Worcester, and over the next 54 years, she built a full life in this community.

Sandy was a longtime and active member of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. She taught religious education and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also worked as a secretary at the church for a number of years.

Sandy then embarked on a twenty-two year career at the College of the Holy Cross. Over that time, she served as a secretary in the student activities office, the study abroad program and the campus ministry office, where she cherished helping and mentoring students. Following her retirement, she continued this passion by volunteering at the Nativity School in Worcester.

Sandy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She always made every effort to be with her children and grandchildren on their birthdays and other special occasions. She spent many wonderful vacations with them to places such as Goose Rocks Beach, Lake Winnipesaukee, Martha’s Vineyard, Guatemala and Aruba.

Sandy felt blessed to maintain so many wonderful friendships that she had made over the years. With these friends, she enjoyed traveling the world, entertaining them in her home, attending cultural events, participating in book clubs, and simply meeting them for lunch.

Sandy will always be remembered for her bright light, kindness, warmth, and humor. She truly had a unique ability to make others feel special. Sandy/Mom/Mimi will be deeply missed.

There will be calling hours Friday, November 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester.  The funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester.  Reception to follow at the Hogan Center at the College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St, Worcester. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Nativity School of Worcester, 67 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605.  https://nativityworcester.org