It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sandra Avila, 78, on August 24, 2024, after a brief illness and hospitalization. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Sandra was born on July 29, 1946, in São Paulo, Brazil to Erina Ponzoni and Elyseu Perazzolo. After attending the prestigious Dante Alighieri School, Sandra went on to study chemistry and worked as a chemist in both Brazil and the United States. In 1965, she met Geraldo Avila, and they wed on January 10, 1970, before going on to have three children, Leonardo, Rafael, and Carolina. Ever courageous, Sandra immigrated to the United States with Geraldo and their three young children in 1980, settling in Delaware and overcoming many difficulties. Sandra was a great cook and passed on her love of good food to all three children. She had a keen eye for fashion and loved a good samba, a competitive international futebol match, and sweet confections. Sandra's feisty and adventurous spirit was strong; she traveled many times throughout Brazil and Europe. She always enjoyed a strong espresso and a good glass of French wine. Sandra is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Liliana. She is survived by her husband, Geraldo; her three children, Leonardo (Lorri) Avila, Rafael (Megan) Avila, and Carolina (Billy) Biebel and her eight grandchildren, Grace, Liliana, Emilia, Carly, William, Leonardo, Zoe and Ella. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 515 Harmony Street, New Castle, DE 19720, followed by a Memorial Mass which begins at 11:00. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Brandywine Valley SPCA of New Castle by visiting https://bvspca.org/donate/donation-form. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.