Sandra K. Barham
August 8, 1948 - May 30, 2024 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.Guest BookShareEmailPrint |
