Obituaries
Sandra K. Barham
August 8, 1948 - May 30, 2024
- Memorial Services
- July 19, 2024 | 1:30 P.M.
-
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
101 South 6th Ave.
St. Charles, Illinois 60174
Sandra Kay (Friend) Barham was born on August 8, 1948 and died May 30, 2024 at the age of 75.
Sandy was raised in the quiet town of Genoa, Illinois. She loved her hometown and loved telling stories about her grandparents, who lived next door and her best friend Janet, who lived down the street. She also loved visiting her aunt and uncles farm in Hampshire to play with her cousin Lynn. After high school, she attended Lutheran General School of Nursing. There she met her two nursing school friends, Karen and Sandy.
After marrying Perry Barham, Jr. , who was in the Navy, she lived in Japan, South Carolina, and Peoria IL. In each place she lived, she put her nursing degree to work. She worked with the Red Cross and in several hospitals. Once Perry’s time with the Navy was over, they moved back to the Chicagoland area and settled in St. Charles. In St. Charles, she worked for many years as an OB/ GYNE nurse as well as at a cardiologist practice.
She loved being a nurse but also loved being a mom, and then a grandma. Even in the struggle of her later years, her eyes would light up as soon as the grandkids came in a room. She loved the Chicago Cubs, WGN, the color blue and ice cream. She also loved her dogs, sneaking them food and cuddling with them whenever she could.
She is survived by her children Erin Barham and Emily (Pat) Utroska and her grandchildren Parker, Everly and Simon; her brother Dennis Friend; and numerous cousins and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her parents Wesley Curtis Friend and Lucille (Bicknese) Friend and her sister in law Grace Friend.
A Memorial Service and Dessert Reception will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 1:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elderday Center, 328 W Wilson, Batavia, Illinois 60510.
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Condolences
Christa from Rockford, IL
"Aunt Sandy, I was thinking of you a lot in recent months and can't help but think mom was filling me with those thoughts and memories. Your laugh and consistent positive energy is eternally missed. I really believe you are in a place with no more pain and with loved ones making new, lasting memories. Love you Erin and Em."
Maggie (Pantke) Bray from Sun City, AZ
"Sandy will be missed by all of us in our nursing class! She was truly Friendly and kind a very special lady and friend . Many memories of her all good and cherished! She is at peace! Loved and missed !"
Gwen Zeiter from St. Charles, IL
"What a wonderful selfless friend!! I loved her and her personality as soon as I met her. I have missed her so much the past few years but I know she is with her a Lord , singing in a huge amazing choir, knowing where she is and everyone there, looking down on everyone that is grieving their loss….., grandchildren, cousins, brother and sister in law and so many friends who were in her life. 🙏🏼❤️"
Karen (Bleich) Storm from Ashkum, IL
"So grateful for being a part of Sandy’s life for 58 years. No matter where we lived we kept in touch: phone calls, cards &letters, visits. So many great memories, and I really loved it when we both lived in St. Charles. Sandy sent the best cards and letters to me and many others. She loved coming to the farm to see us and she loved animals. Always called my cows, “steers” and loved to listen to them at night. She was so kind, caring, and “friendly”. Will miss her laughter and her always calling me by my maiden name,“Bly”. Sandy was a very dear friend, and it was a blessing to be a part of Erin and Emily’s lives from birth to present. So glad to have them in my life."
from ,
"I loved singing in church choir with Sandy, she always had a smile and kind word for others. My girls loved having her babysit them when Nick and I both were working the weekend night shift. She was a great example of living out her faith. She will be missed. Our prayers and condolences to Erin and Emily and the family."