Sandra Macherone

Sandra Carol (Johns) Macherone, 79, of Tavares, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on August 15th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 5th, 1946, in Edgewater, Florida, to Betty (Oliver) Galloway and Donald Johns.

Sandra was the devoted mother of Michael Macherone and Dawn (Macherone) Brown. She carried the memory of her infant son, John Robert Macherone, who passed away at birth. "Meme” was a cherished grandmother to Payton, Abigail, and Bailey Brown as well as Chadwick, Corey, and Makenna Macherone. She also found joy in being a great-grandmother to Dominick Macherone. She is survived by her sister, Donna (Johns) Bayer, and saw Lori Ward Macherone as a second daughter.

Sandra’s love extended to her larger circle of family and friends, including Dawn’s husband, Gregory Brown, who held a special place in Sandra’s heart. Additionally, she cared for Payton’s fiancé, Cameron Ford, Abigail’s fiancé, Tucker Marrillia, Chad’s spouse, Amanda Macherone; Corey’s partner, Angel Pagan; Bailey’s partner, Joey Zlokas; and her caring neighbor and dear friend, Anne Frye.

A proud Central Florida native, Sandra grew up in Edgewater, Florida. Raised by her mother, Betty, she and her sister, Donna, were only a year apart in school. Later in Sandra’s life, her mother married Braxton Allen (Al) Galloway, who became a loving father figure to her, as her biological father was not part of her life. Sandra was especially close to her grandmother, “Minnie,” and treasured the simple joys of braiding her hair and spending time at her grandmother’s home with her cousins. From a young age, she dreamed of building a family of her own—one filled with children and laughter.

Sandra attended school in Edgewater and graduated from Edgewater High School. Afterward, she worked at Winter Park Telephone Company before pursuing her true passion as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working at Apopka Medical Center. She also had an entrepreneurial spirit—helping to develop A1 Service Plumbing, now carried on by her son, and serving as Chief Operator of Galloway Holdings.

Sandra lived a full and joyful life. She loved crafting and knitting, and she never missed an opportunity to shop—whether at the mall, on QVC, or HSN. She enjoyed going out dancing, proudly earned a karate belt as an adult, and was a member of the Moose Lodge. She also loved hosting community yard sales, reflecting her generous spirit and her joy in bringing people together.

Animals always held a special place in Sandra’s heart. Throughout her life, she selflessly rescued and cared for many cats and dogs, giving them a loving home. She was comforted by the thought of reuniting in heaven with Jasper, Boo, Scooter, and Momma Kitty, while being survived here on earth by her beloved dog, Coco, who rarely left her side. Sandra also treasured her time with her “roommates”—Goose, Cookie, Payton, and Cameron Ford—whose presence brought her companionship and joy.

Friends and family will remember Sandra as hilarious, witty, curious, generous, and warm. She had a way of making every gathering brighter with her humor and perfectly chosen words. She especially loved the holidays—Christmas most of all—and found her greatest joy in spending time with her children and being “Meme” to her grandchildren. Above all, Sandra taught those around her the importance of quality time, being fully present, and living authentically.

A service to honor Sandra’s life will be held on Friday, August 22nd at 12:00 PM at Highland Funeral Home & Highland Memory Gardens: 3329 East Semoran Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703. The family requests that guests wear bright colors to celebrate the beauty of Sandra’s life; this includes purples, pinks, blues, yellow, etc.

A reception will follow at Caffe Positano: 3030 E Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703.

Flowers are welcomed for her service and can be purchased through this obituary. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.