Sandra Lee "Sandy" Barata

1943 - 2023

SANDRA "SANDY" LEE BARATA
Sandra Sandy Lee Barata, age 80, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on November 20, 2023, after her courageous efforts to fight multiple healthcare issues at Mayo Clinic with her loving family by her side. She was born in New London, Connecticut on September 24, 1943, to the late Rosario Dimaggio and Caroline Gardini Dimaggio. Sandy was an only child raised by her Italian family and lost her mother early in life. She was raised in Connecticut and relocated to Jacksonville, Florida as a young adult. Sandy knew her passion was to help others. She proudly earned her bachelors degree in nursing from the University of Miami and served as a Registered Nurse since the early 1970s. On October 29, 1976, Sandy married her best friend, Raymond Barata and they enjoyed 47 years of marriage. Sandy was a devoted wife, loving mother to her three wonderful sons, and an amazing grandmother. She worked at the University of Florida Shands Hospital for years and her final position was as an Administrative Director for the Department of Pediatrics. Sandy and Dr. Tom Chiu, worked closely together to oversee more than 100 physicians and nearly 200 support staff. Their main emphasis was always on how to provide the best services for all children, especially those underserved. Over the years, Sandy received several awards in recognition of her leadership and advocacy efforts. Sandy also served as a President of the Hubbard Houses Board for many years, helping raise funds for local domestic violence victims. She assisted each year in the Childrens Miracle Network fundraiser and for years helped coordinate donations for Christmas gifts to families affected by HIV/AIDS alongside her amazing husband. In retirement, she continued serving as a member of the First Coast Healing Hands and the First Coast Child Protection Team Community Advisory Council. Her advocacy for children was a lifelong passion. Sandy was also known for her love of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ray and Sandy were two of the original season ticket holders. Sandy also enjoyed traveling, family gatherings, and holidays together. She certainly enjoyed spending precious time with her grandchildren and making sweet memories. Her warm spirit and soft heart touched many during her life and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Raymond Barata of Jacksonville, FL; three sons, Carlos Raymond (Patty) Barata of Cape Cod, MA, David Christopher (Barbara) of New Orleans, LA, and Michael Dante (Michelle) Barata of Jacksonville, FL; treasured grandchildren, Nicholas, Daniel, James, Caroline, Annie, Matthew, and Mason Barata; along with numerous extended family members.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 6:00 8:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2400 Mayport Road, Jacksonville, FL 32233. Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Rafael Lavilla as celebrant. Interment will follow at Beaches Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Sandy's Life to hubbardhouse.org.
The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main Street, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. (904) 249-1166. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the familys guest book.