Sandra Karen O'Brien

Sandra Karen O'Brien obituary, Sturgis, MI

Sandra Karen O'Brien

Sandra O'Brien Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Hackman Chapel on Oct. 1, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Sandra Karen O'Brien
February 24, 1946 – September 1, 2025
Sandra Karen O'Brien, age 79, of Sturgis, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.
Born on February 24, 1946, in Sturgis, Sandra was the daughter of the late William and Frances "June" (Ledyard) Frays. A lifelong resident of Sturgis, she deeply loved her community.
On July 3, 1997, Sandra married Carl O'Brien in Howe, Indiana. They shared many meaningful years together until his passing on October 8, 2008.
Sandra, affectionately known as Sandy, was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She worked for 17 years at Elias Big Boy Restaurant and another 15 years at ACM Plastics, both in Sturgis. Beyond her work, Sandy found joy in simple pleasures-reading, playing games on her computer, and spending time with her beloved dogs. She was also a passionate and loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Karen (Donald) Wallace of Howe, Indiana; Sharon (Kenny) Norton of Howe, Indiana; Melissa (Brandon) Johnson of Burr Oak; George (Wanda) Barker, Jr. of Burr Oak; Candy (Cindi) Barker of Sturgis; and Angela (Tim) Yoder of Sturgis. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister Betty Goings of Sturgis, stepmother Leona Frays of Mendon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl; sister Velma Frays; brother Michael Frays; brother-in-law Donald Goings; and niece Starr Worthington.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 9, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. A graveside committal will follow at Salem Cemetery, 23269 Banker Street Road, Sturgis.
Memorial contributions in Sandra's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at
www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sandra Karen O'Brien, please visit our Tree Store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Sandra O'Brien's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Hackman Chapel

114 S Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091

Make a Donation
in Sandra O'Brien's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Sandra's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sandra O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Sandra O'Brien's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?