Sandra L Wright

Sandra Lee Wright, born on June 11, 1959, at Morningside Hospital, Harlem, New York

departed our world to the arms of her heavenly father on November 15, 2025, at Montefiore

Einstein Hospital, Bronx, New York.

Cookie, as she was lovingly known as, throughout her entire life, was the youngest

daughter of Ana Bernard. She is survived by her dear family including her adoring sister,

Yolanda 'Yoyo' Ross. Cookie came from a strong line of mighty women including Dolores

Bernard, deceased, May 2002, and her strength will certainly not be forgotten as it is now

past down to her sons, Arnold Bernard and Travis Graham and her grandson, Camden

Bernard.

Cookie retired from a long-standing career in the public health field, first as a certified

nurse for 10+ years, followed by her dedicated 20+ year career as a dietician at the NYC

Board of Education.

Most importantly to Cookie was her steadfast commitment to public service and advocacy

where she served above and beyond in so many entities including as a shop steward at her

local union DC37. It was here where she truly shined. Playing an instrumental role at food

drives for those facing food insecurity to her volunteer mission at voting drives where she

advocated and served as a conduit, bridging and voicing for people and communities who

were most vulnerable. She was most at service when shining-a-light on the importance of

having political candidates visit her community. She wanted each, and every person that

walked through those union doors to feel the commitment being drawn from local

supporters and for community members to see, as well as feel, that they all had a voice

worth hearing. Under her guideship, Cookie welcomed a who's who of politicians to local

union DC37 including, 42nd U.S. President, Bill Clinton, 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama,

and 106th Mayor of New York, City, David Dinkins, just to name a few.

Cookie's final act of giving certainly didn't fall far from her love and commitment to

community. When Cookie moved into a brand-new building in Mount Vernon New York,

she instantly became Building President, always helping those who couldn't help

themselves. She organized food, clothing, and voting drives. She led semi-annual trips for

building residents to visit state parks, museums, and other various cultural activities.

Cookie was never one to sit still for very long. She would also organize volunteer work,

opportunities for the residents to support and work at soup kitchens, homeless shelters,

and with political campaigns locally in the city of Mount Vernon. Never one to miss a single

holiday and add a splash of her legendary eye for decor and style, Cookie could be seen

decorating the building for the slightest of reasons, including an Easter themed party, a

Valentine's Day mingle, or a Thanksgiving feast. Cookie was on the job for any, and all

special occasions! Her service as Building President was truly Cookie's signature

moment. She not only thrived at it but absolutely cherished being able to serve her

community.