Carmelita (Carms) Vander Sande of Lake Worth, FL has peacefully passed away into internal life on April 27, 2024.

Carms was predeceased by the love of her life, and husband of over 60 years James Vander Sande Sr. We are thankful that Mom and Dad are together once again and will have each other's love for all eternity.

Carms' greatest joy and source of pride was her loving and ever-growing family. She certainly left behind an amazing legacy.

She is survived by her three loving sons, James Vander Sande Jr and wife Cindi of Pennsylvania, Kenneth Vander Sande and wife Deb of Florida, and Louis Vander Sande and wife Phyllis of New Jersey.

She is also survived by her seven adoring grandchildren, Kristen Vander Sande and partner Mark Tavares, David Vander Sande and partner Kelly Luciw, Kara Walters and husband Matt, Kenny Vander Sande Jr, Mike Vander Sande and wife Marissa, Christina Zylstra and husband Jonathan, Tyler Vander Sande and fiancé Flora Hill, great-grandchildren Alexi, Ciara, Justine, Matthew, Jayden, Hector, Aubrey, Alexis, Jameson, Hunter, Madison & Maycee, her loving sister-in-law Joyce Calendrillo, dearest cousin Fran Conoscenti, and so many more cousins and nieces and nephews!

Carms was born on May 13, 1937, in Garfield, NJ. An only child, she was raised by her beautiful parents Cataldo (Mike) and Frances (nee Ciolino) Giunta. A first-generation Italian American, Carms spent her entire life in Garfield before relocating to Florida in 2007. Although Carms had no siblings, she was certainly never lonely growing up! She had huge extended families from both of her parents, living in Garfield and the surrounding area and they were a constant presence in her life. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins from her Giunta and Ciolino families were a great source of love and joy throughout her life, and she cherished them all.

Carms graduated from Garfield High School in 1955, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and color guard. It was here that Carms met and fell in love with her forever love Jim. They were married on June 15, 1957, in Garfield where they settled and raised their three sons in a small, but love filled home. Carms was a faithful and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Garfield for most of her life, and happily passed on her faith to her sons.

After Jim's retirement they relocated in 2007 to Bellaggio adult community in Lake Worth, FL where they spent many years enjoying the beautiful weather and easy-going lifestyle. While in Florida, Carms was fortunate to live near her son Ken and his family, and enjoyed being part of her Florida grandchildren growing up.

Carms loved the beach and spent most of her free time during the 1970's & 1980's at her bungalow in Chadwick Beach, NJ. It was her oasis, and where she met two of her dearest friends, Liz & Bill Chudoba.

Carms had many hobbies and passions over the years. Her greatest was her love for Italian food, and her gift of cooking and baking so many delicious things for her family will always be remembered, especially her Sunday gravy with meatballs, and her amazing Tassies. Other passions she had were her two treasured dogs Cindy and her Bichon Frise Misty, crocheting, gardening, Hummel & antique collecting, garage sales, reading, playing cards with her extended family, the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, traveling, music especially Frank Sinatra, romance/Lifetime movies, daytime talk shows especially Regis, Kathy Lee & Kelly Ripa, her computer, games & puzzles, and her beloved New York Yankees!

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Palm Beach National Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth, FL 33449. A Celebration of Carmelita's life will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 12:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at 1:30 PM at South Florida National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.