SANDRA COSBY

COSBY, Sandra Barber, age 59, of Chesterfield, died August 12, 2011. Sandee suffered from unremitting cancer for 17 years. One tough lady, she fought this curse with a vengeance, but at the same time handled it with unsurpassed grace, fortitude and selflessness. In addition to her obvious physical changes - a dozen major surgeries and years of treatments left her with numerous chronic disabilities that most people who knew her were unaware of. Sandee could not have dealt with her many challenges without her family's abiding love and devotion, especially from her husband, David. They cherished one another, were the loves of each other's life, and best friends for over 40 years. Sandee also adored their sons, Andrew and Daniel; and her sister, Diane Barber. She was unabashedly proud of them. Sandee and her sister were true kindred spirits. Sandee felt the worst part of each new diagnosis was having to break the news to her family. Sandee is also survived by her cousin, Carol Stefanec; life long family friend, Teri Ann Tingen; and close friend, Bob Davis. Sandee will also be missed by Diane's companion, Bob Johnson; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Nancy Cosby; and nieces, Heather Cosby and Kim Haas (David). Sandee was an avid flower gardener. She had a deep love of nature and all animals, especially dogs and songbirds. She even had a fondness for small rodents. Her sister affectionately dubbed her "Ms. Audubon." Among her favorite sounds were whippoorwills, bobwhites, and her family's laughter. She was a talented writer, photographer, and public speaker. She could be a wonderful friend and a formidable adversary. Throughout the years her civic activism and ability to rally others to action often resulted in preserving the rural integrity of a little piece of Chesterfield. Sandee was complex and a study in contrast. She liked many genres of music, including blues, Cajun, old country, old gospel, old rock, Shubert and Tchaikovsky. She loved rustic antiques, weathered barns, lace, Austrian crystal, and Bohemian porcelain. She loved to dance. Sandee was fortunate and grateful for her team of MCV oncologists, whose dedication, knowledge, and skill helped keep her alive for so many years. The many radiation technicians who treated her at Massey Cancer Center displayed an unlimited amount of patience. Sandee was especially fond of her surgeon of 17 years, Dr. Larry DiNardo, (who alternately made her laugh, curse and cry). She also held a special place for her radiation oncologist Dr. Shiyu Song, and his nurse Kathi Judy, who always made sure her many personal requests were fulfilled. Sandee was a dedicated supporter of animal welfare organizations particularly rescue shelters. In lieu of flowers, Sandee's family would be honored if donations would be made in her memory to the Southside SPCA, P.O. Box 66, Meherrin, Va. 23954. This non profit is a well run, non euthanizing shelter serving 12 rural counties. No formal visitation is planned and a private family service will be held.





This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.