Obituary of Sandra Evadney Barkie

Sandra Evadney Barkie

Husband:         Lennox S. Barkie

Parents:           The late Walter T. Willabus and Evelyn Willabus

Children:         Rhonda (Ronald), Ray (Chandra), David (Tina), and Joshua (Erika)

Grandchildren:            Ray Jr., Symone, Alyciya, Dasia, Rhian, Xavier, and Chancellor

Siblings:          Norma (Gordon), the late Dennis (Gloria), Desiree (Arthur), Yvonne (Gregston), Fitzroy (Hyacinth), Vilma, and Courtney (Vickie)

Work:              Sandra’s first job was at Guyana Inland Revenue Department as a file clerk. Her great work ethic, leadership, and people skills were recognized, and she was quickly promoted to Supervisor of the Computer Department. Sandra later relocated to the USA and obtained employment at Van Dyke Manor, located in Montclair, N.J. After working at Van Dyke Manor for several years Sandra later transitioned to work at Mountainside Hospital where she worked for 19 years; where many of those years she was also a domestic worker.

Hobbies:          Sandra loved cooking, music, and reading. She cooked all popular traditional Guyanese dishes; one of her many specialties was her Cookup Rice which everyone always raved about. Her favorite music was Calypso and Reggae; Sparrow and Beres Hammond being two of her favorites. However, Sandra was very eclectic and taught her children how to appreciate all music. Her music collection ranged from Beethoven to Gloria Estefan and everything & anything in between you could imagine. When it came to reading she had a vast array of books, which included different versions of the Bible and inspirational books. And of course, who could forget her holistic, spiritual, and natural remedy books; which she would quickly reference if she or someone else needed advice with either a cleansing or getting a stain out of something.

Personal:          Sandra was loved by everyone and whether you met her many times or just one time she made sure to leave you with a lasting impression. She was known by many names, each of us having our own personal name to call her, but whether you were family or friend she would always introduce herself as “Sandy.” Sandy was a great wife and homemaker, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and confidant. She took on the role of mother to her siblings and did an excellent job of it. Sandra and Lennox were married for over 53 years. She was the matriarch of her extended family creating a unique and personal relationship with each person. Sandra kept family at the center of her life and always did her best to keep up with traditions. She remembered birthdays and anniversaries by sending cards, gifts, calls, or texts to convey her best wishes. Sandra always keep Christ at the center of her life and encouraged everyone to have a spiritual relationship with their Creator. Sandra has numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who will love and miss her very much.