TAMPA, Fla. — Sheila Anne Vaccaro, 68, of Poland, and formerly of Sanford, died on the evening of Feb. 6. She was saved by the Lord after enduring complications following extensive surgery on Jan. 7, for soft-tissue sarcomas while fighting her second courageous battle with cancer at the University Community Hospital in Tampa, Fla. A hero is an ordinary person who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

She was born in Sanford, Jan. 2, 1943, and resided in the Sanford/Springvale area until 1988. Subsequently, she lived in Poland, during the summer and Auburndale, Fla., in the winter.

She had many dear friends throughout her life, including those whom she met during the 23 years she, her husband and her family owned and operated Range Pond Campground in Poland. She often “entertained” her campers with her own special, humorous ways while playing Bingo or attending other campground events.

She loved spending time with family and friends and frequently entertained guests at her home. She treasured all six of her grandchildren. Both of her homes are overflowing with pictures of family and friends. She was a devout Catholic and strongly believed her faith would get her through anything. She was strong, determined and a true inspiration to anyone who knew her.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 49 years, Paul J. Vaccaro Sr.; her four children and six grandchildren, Paul J. Vaccaro Jr., his wife, Carolyn Knutson-Vaccaro, their children, Hunter and Hannah of Deatsville, Ala., Alan Vaccaro and Michelle Gould of Shapleigh, Rhonda Vaccaro-Young, her husband, John and their children, Alan and Holly of Poland, Robin Gallant, her husband, Michael and their children, Tony and Allison of Sanford; a brother, David Burpee and his wife, Sharon; a half brother, Gary Burpee and his wife, Farley Vigneault Andersen; her aunt, Patricia Hadden Cunningham and uncle Frank Cunningham; five sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Jellerson, Barbara Allen, Phyllis Vaccaro, Sandra Vaccaro and Annette Vaccaro; and two brothers-in-law, William and Thomas Vaccaro.

She had many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Walter Burpee and Pauline Hadden Burpee; her husband’s parents, William Vaccaro and Vera Mazza Vaccaro; her aunt, Priscilla Hadden Hunt and uncle Seth (Bud) Hunt; two sisters-in-law, Rachel Emmons Vaccaro and Catherine Vaccaro; and three brothers-in-law, Leon Jellerson M.D., Toppy Allen and John Vaccaro.

She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.

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