Sandra Pickles

Sandra Pickles

September 15, 1960 - June 17, 2025

With profound sorrow, we share the passing of Sandra Renea Pickles, a radiant soul, gifted author, and beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, who departed this life on June 17, 2025 at the age of 64 after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. Sandra lived with grace, compassion, and creativity- illuminating the lives of those around her with her words, her warmth, and her unwavering strength. Though she is no longer with us physically, her light continues to shine in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her.

Sandra was born to Richard and Darlene Fraser on September 15, 1960 in Tachikawa, Japan. The fifth of five children, she spent her early childhood living abroad in Japan and Germany as the daughter of an airforce serviceman, before her family settled in Lompoc, California.

On August 31, 1996, she married the love of her life, David Pickles, and together they shared 28 beautiful years of marriage. In 1999, Sandra's heart grew even fuller with the birth of her son, Tyler- her greatest gift and lifelong source of inspiration.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, David Pickles of Lompoc; her son, Tyler Pickles of Santa Barbara; her siblings, Jeanette Boyer of Coquille, Oregon and Brian Fraser of Lompoc. Her love and spirit will live on through her many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will forever hold her close in their memories. She was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Fraser of Lompoc; her father, Richard Fraser of Lompoc; her mother, Darlene Fraser of Lompoc; and her sister, Barbara Burris of Orcutt.

Sandra graduated from Cabrillo High School in 1978 and went on to earn an associates degree in business management, followed by a bachelor's degree in sociology. She dedicated 32 years to a successful career in the financial industry before medically retiring in 2020.

After retiring, Sandra fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a published author. She released a book titled "The Luck of the Draw," which details her experience battling cancer, offering strength, honesty, and hope to others facing similar challenges.

Beyond her writing, Sandra lived life with contagious vibrancy. She found joy in traveling, camping, singing, listening to music, horseback riding, reading, attending theater productions, and writing poetry. She was especially known for lighting up the dance floor at any event- her energy was uplifting, and her presence unforgettable. Sandra found peace in life's quiet moments and took great joy in watching sunrises and sunsets- pausing to see the beauty, stillness, and wonder of each new day and gentle close. Her favorite companion for these moments was her beloved dog, Smokey. Following Smokey's passing, Sandra continued to display her love for animals by volunteering at the local humane society, where she walked dogs that were being housed at the facility.

Sandra's light-hearted spirit, boundless compassion, and joyful energy left a lasting impression on everyone she met. A Celebration of Life will be held this fall; the family will share details once plans are finalized. To close in the words of her devoted husband David: "'Til we meet again, Angel Face. I love you."