Sandra Barnett

1946 - 2025

Sandra Daly Barnett passed away on September 30, 2025. She was born on March 22, 1946, in Ft Monmouth, NJ. Her family spent time in Chicago, Omaha, and Rockford, IL, before finally settling in Tulsa, OK, in 1962. There she attended Monte Casino before graduating from Bishop Kelly High School. She attended the University of Oklahoma and later the University of Tulsa to study art and French.

In 1971, Sandy met the love of her life, John Barnett, and they married a year later. Together they raised their son, Candler, and enjoyed a beautiful life in Tulsa, where Sandy was involved in various civic and charitable organizations, including The United Way, the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, TU's Newman Center, Cascia Hall, and Christ the King, where her faith was always an essential part of her life.

Sandy traveled the world with John by her side, globetrotting wherever their impulses would take them. Some of their most memorable journeys were to France, Switzerland, Greece, Ireland, and even Cuba–where they actually met Fidel Castro. The sights they have seen and the stories about their travels are remarkable.

Sandy (aka Sacha) was a lifelong artist. Her whimsical (she would say "naive") style, influenced by everything from Matisse to Hispanic culture to the Catholic Church, was enjoyed by many and graced walls around the country after being included in shows in California, Connecticut, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oregon, and, of course, her beloved Oklahoma. Her love of animals was evident, as most of her work prominently featured dogs or cats.

Sandy was a fantastic cook and regularly wowed her friends and family with the fare she served. She was particularly accomplished at pasta dishes and delighted in showcasing her pescatarian creations as well. Many of her recipes are counted as family treasures to this day. She also had dazzling style – from the classiness and beauty of her dress to the creativity and vibrancy of her home's decor.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, June and Hugh Daly. She is lovingly survived by John Barnett, her adoring husband of 53 years; her son, Candler Barnett and wife Kris, of OKC; her grandchildren, Bennett and Daly of OKC; her sister, Cindy Cooney and husband John, of St. Louis; her brother, Hugh Daly and wife Lisa, of Chicago; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and of course, her most-loyal Lhasa Apso, Summer.

A memorial service for family and friends will be announced in the coming weeks. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, a charity that held a special place in her heart.