Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Sandra J. “Sandy” Martineau, 64, of Tewksbury, formerly of Wilmington, passed away on July 4, 2026, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on August 18, 1961, Sandy was the beloved daughter of the late Roland and Catherine “Kay” Cote. She was raised in Wilmington in a warm, close-knit family and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1980, where she formed cherished friendships that would last a lifetime.
In September 1985, Sandy married her sweetheart, Ronald Martineau, beginning a beautiful journey of nearly 41 years filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Together, they built a loving home in Tewksbury, where they welcomed their son, Matthew Martineau. Sandy was a devoted and nurturing mother, always encouraging Matt to reach his highest potential—he knew without a doubt that she was his biggest fan.
Family was the heart of Sandy’s world. Her greatest joys came when she became “Nana” to her grandsons, Caleb and Beau Martineau. Adoring and present, she treasured every moment with them, filling their days with love, laughter, and boundless affection. With roots in a large, lively family and a marriage that brought her into an even larger one, Sandy thrived in the joy of togetherness. Holidays and gatherings were her favorite times—filled with noise, tradition, and the warmth of loved ones, all of which she embraced wholeheartedly.
An avid traveler and shopper, Sandy especially loved cruising with family and friends—vacations that combined relaxation, adventure, and quality time with those she cherished most. Her zest for life was matched only by her strong work ethic and natural kindness. For over forty years, she excelled as an office manager at several automotive dealerships, including Wilmington Ford, Wakefield Subaru, Danvers Ford, and Wilmington Hyundai. Known for her professionalism and warm spirit, Sandy treated every customer and coworker like family, earning deep respect and lasting admiration.
Sandy’s beautiful smile, generous heart, and unwavering compassion touched everyone she met. She gave freely of herself, always ready to help those in need and to love unconditionally. Her legacy is one of kindness, strength, and enduring devotion to family and friends.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Martineau of Tewksbury; her devoted son, Matthew Martineau, and his partner, Lindsay Brown, of Wilmington; and her adored grandsons, Caleb and Beau Martineau. She was the cherished daughter of the late Roland Cote and the late Catherine “Kay” Cote Theberge and her late husband Fred “Papa Fred” Theberge. She was the dear sister of the late Bob Cote, Dennis Cote and his wife Mary of Dracut, Brian Cote and his wife Ruthann of Haverhill, Jeffrey Cote of Tyngsboro, Pam MacKenzie and her husband Philip of Haverhill, and Kimberly Santangelo and her husband Mike of Wilmington.
She was a treasured daughter-in-law of the late George and Jackie Martineau and a beloved sister-in-law to George and Patti Martineau of Tewksbury, the late Richard Martineau, Bruce and Fran Martineau of New Hampshire, Stephen and Karen Martineau of Florida, the late Paulette Stanley and her husband Jim Stanley of Peabody, the late Wayne Martineau and his wife Sandy Martineau of Malden, Suzanne Diciero and the late Louis Diciero of Saugus, Carl Martineau and his partner Courtney Gorrell of Revere, and Rene and Randy Smith of Malden. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will deeply miss her light and laughter.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, MA. A graveside service will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sandy’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
To share a memory or offer a message of comfort to the family, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
Sandy’s love, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
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