Obituary by cv report
Sandie Rocco
At the age of seven, Sandie began a career as a dancer. She was a member of the traveling dance troupe, The Y-knot Twirlers, with her sisters Sharon and Jeannette and her brother Ralph. The group specialized in square dancing. They performed throughout the world for several years and with Roy Rogers and all Country and Western greats. In fact, Roy Rogers called her his “little quarter horse” and sang happy birthday to her when she was 16. Sandie also danced solo on night club stages.
She was a talented writer as well as a dancer. Sandie authored four screenplays.
Sandie met Alex Rocco at a party, and six weeks later they married. He was a bartender and Sandie performed in movies and television. Sandie taught Alex about the entertainment business. Sandie encouraged Alex to find work as an actor. He did find work and she was there for him for the whole ride through his career.
The couple raised their three children Marc, Jennifer and Lucien in the Laurel Canyon area for many years until Sandie decided she wanted her family to live in a safe, wholesome and family oriented community. The couple chose Carpinteria in 1980 for its small town ambiance and to worship with local members of the Baha’i Faith.
As a devout and spiritual woman, Sandie was active in the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. She not only taught through the written word, she taught daily by example.
Her friends remember her as always being concerned for others, being up-beat and taking a personal interest in people’s lives. She relished in learning what was important to her friends and discussing how and why they developed and believed in their personal value system.
Her greatest pride came in teaching her children, not only to honor and follow their faith, but to follow their interests and strive for excellence. Jennifer Rocco is a local attorney, Lucien is a poet and student and Marc is a director.
A year ago Sandie and Alex welcomed a grandson, Anthony Dominic Alessandro, to the family. In the past year, though struggling with the effects of chemotherapy, radiation and partially disabled from a stroke, she spent quality time with the baby on a daily basis. It was not unusual to find Anthony on Sandie’s lap as they enjoyed each other’s company.
In addition to her beloved husband, children and grandson, Sandie is survived by her sisters Sharon and Jeannette, her brother Ralph, nieces Jacquie, Nicole and Sherry; nephews Jesse and Damon.
A celebration of Sandie’s life was held on Monday, June 17, 2002, at Carpinteria Cemetery.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be sent in Sandie’s name to The Sanctuary House, 222 W. Valerio, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
©Copyright 2002, Coastal View (Carpinteria Valley, CA, USA)
