Sandra Jane Tavares

Sandra Jane (McCarthy) Tavares sadly left us unexpectedly on July 16, 2024.  She was surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and then moved to Rhode Island where she spent her childhood on the East Side of Providence growing up on the renowned Lippett Street, before relocating to Rumford as a teenager.  She was a graduate of the East Providence High School.

She was the daughter of the late Bessie (Jones) Spencer and Douglas McCarthy.  She is survived by her daughters Pamela Mitchell and Sheila Parker, both of East Providence, Rhode Island, Juanita Glynn Melvin (husband Joseph), of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and her sister Elizabeth Silva of East Providence, Rhode Island.  Sandra leaves behind 5 grandchildren Steven, Jared, Taylor, Paris and Drew.  She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren who were the light of her life.

 She is predeceased in death by her only son Clarence Glynn Jr “AKA Skip”, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and her two brothers Donald McCarthy, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Norman McCarthy of Providence, Rhode Island.  She was the beloved wife of the late Alfred T. Tavares, whose memory she cherished dearly.  She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who will miss their Auntie Sandy.

A dear friend to many, Sandra was a valued member of the community, leaving behind a legacy of pride and resilience.  She eagerly anticipated her yearly High School Reunion luncheons.  She always exuded independence, relishing outings and loved going out dancing.  Sandy shined as a beacon of light to us all with her dignity, style and grace, touching lives thru her participation with the food pantry ministry with the church and Foster Grandparenting thru the East Providence School Department.  Working on puzzles was one of her favorite pastimes.  She was a past member of the Urban League Guild of RI and the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.  She was also a member of the East Providence Senior Center where she truly enjoyed the walking group.  Sandra was a faithful Daughter of the Harriet Tillman Temple #59 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, located in Providence, Rhode Island.

Sandra was a dedicated military wife to the late Clarence Glynn Sr, travelling the globe with her family and living in such places as California, Texas, Hawaii, Tennessee and even Japan before finding her way back to her roots in her hometown of East Providence.  Her zest for travel took her to places like the Caribbean, where Barbados held a special place in her heart.  Sandra’s love for exploring also extended to frequent road trips to visit her son in Maryland and her daughter in North Carolina.  One of her most memorable adventures was a transatlantic voyage across the Big Pond from England to New York on the Queen Elizabeth II.  She most recently travelled to the Outer Banks in North Carolina getting to spend time with family and friends including her children, grands and great-grandchildren (those moments will forever be cherished).

Upon settling back in East Providence in the mid 70’s, Sandra embarked on a new chapter in her life, she soon found herself working for Almacs as an Office Clerk and for Lincoln Greyhound Racetrack (now known as Bally’s Twin River) as a Mutual Clerk and also working in the money room before her retirement.  

She was a long-time member of Congdon Street Baptist Church, before joining her new church family at Olney Street Baptist Church where she found love, comfort, compassion and peace within the church walls.  She found solace in the Lord’s love and offered many prayers for her family.

We invite you to join us for Sandra’s funeral service at Olney Street Baptist Church, 100 Olney St, Providence, on Monday, July 22, 2024, with viewing hours 10 am to 12 pm, followed by a church service starting at Noon.  It will be officiated by Pastor Christopher D. Williams.  We will then travel to Swan Point Cemetery Chapel.  Donations can be made to the Olney St Food Pantry.  Flowers may be sent to Darlington Mortuary of L Heroux & Son, 1042 Newport Ave, Pawtucket RI  02861.

May we come together to honor and celebrate the life of Sandra, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her grace, warmth, and compassion.

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