Kay Sandra Freeman

Kay Sandra Freeman, aka Sandi, was born in the Bronx, New York, to Emmett Cyril and Dorothy Lee Harris on September 10, 1948. Sandi made her transition on August 27, 2024 after a courageous battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
She was the eldest of three daughters. ALthough she was raised in the Bronx, she spent many summers in Carthage, NC, as a child to spend time with her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and a host of maternal cousins. As a young adult, she spent a few years in Wilmington, DE, With her Sister Tina, aunt Lena and her fraternal Cousins. During that time, Sandi's attempt to secure housing was met with racial discrimination. She, in turn, successfully sued the company that refused to Lease her an apartment, which is one of many cases that helped re-shape housing practices in the U.S. Even at this early age,Sandi knew how to advocate for what she believed to be true and right.
Sandi began her corporate career with Scott Paper in New York. While there she met her late husband William (Bill) Freeman, and they moved to East Orange, Nj. From that union came the Loves of her life, her children Ashley and Chase, whom she adored. Though her sisters and cousins eventually moved to various locations, often the families would gather during the holidays to reconnect.
When Sandi and Bill bought their home, they quickly became the consummate hosts, in NJ and on the Vineyard. Entertaining with great food and @ood friends was something that she and Bill enjoyed. Sandi was a foodie who enjoyed trying new recipes and restaurants. In fact, she and Bill had a collection of over 100 cookbooks as wekll as various copies of Zagat books and Bon Appetit magazines at one point in time. One of her favorite places to go and spend time was Oak Bluffs, MA, where she, Bill, and the children vacationed summers for many years. She Loved the Vineyard, especiaLly partaking in drives Up-Island to Aquinnah or Laying at the "The Inkwell." She called that island her 'Happy Place.'
In our attempt to further capture who Sandi was to so many people, we were interrupt by Sandi's very specific directions in a book titled, I'm Dead Now, So What. Even in her transition, she wanted to ensure that her wishes were being met. She insisted that we all celebrate her Life and share funny stories. Here are just a few examples of the stories from family members and loved ones.
You should also know that Sandi Loved hearing stories about the family, good or bad. In fact, when she got on the phone with one of her sisters, the stories kept them connected
as there were bound to be stories of old mixed with present-day antics. The problem with growing up with so many cousins (35) is that there was never a shortage of stories to tell.
Sandi was also a founding member of "the Big Girls Club." This was a collection of the female cousins, including her sisters, who opted to travel to international resort destinations without their significant others or children. We'd Like to say more about these trips, but unfortunately, no one is spilling the tea.
Across her adult life, Sandi worked for years on the Great American Autobiography. More than three computers were used during this epic process. It was reported that countless hours were spent writing, typing, and composing the stories of her life. Multiple edits were discussed, but we have yet to read them, touch them, or hear them. In fact, all three computers met a tragic end before it could be realized, but let her tell it, it is the story of lifetime well spent.
However, this story brings us to a pattern of electronic destruction that must be discussed. If there is one thing Sandi could be depended on doing, it would be the destruction of a cellphone (or any technology). She destroyed or Lost multiple phones, and she was NEVER fault. In fact, we'd expect that the manufacturers of these phones may have received a mention or two in the autobiography. Her distaste for technology could have easily transferred over to other devices, which again could have impacted the delivery timeline of the Great American Autobiography.
Sandi Loved her church. She was a proud member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem, NY, for over 40 years. She was an active member who served on the Deacon board, the board of trustees, and countless other jobs until her passing. Despite friends and family members attempts to persuade her to stay home after her diagnosis, Sandi would often drive into NY for church with her oxygen tank next to her. There was no stopping her from getting to the church and being in fellowship with the congregation.
She was also a proud member of the Jack and Jill organization. She worked diligently with-in the organization while her children were school-aged and continued to support the organization after they graduated from school.
Sandi will be deeply missed because she was so deeply loved, and when you recall her laugh, it will bring you JOY.
Sandi Leaves to cherish her memory: her children Ashley and Chase Freeman, two sisters Cheryl and Tina Harris, and a host of other relatives and friends. Her passing Leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.
The family of Kay Sandra Freeman would Like to express our deepest gratitude the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult. Your comforting words, kind gestures, and shared memories have been a source of strength, smiles and laughter for us all.
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