Sandra Garcia

May 4, 1947 – September 3, 2024

Sandra Maria Garcia (née Ortiz Chang), age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Somers, NY, on September 3, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank Garcia, her beloved children Miguel "Michael" Ortiz-Crane, Brenda Crane, and Brian Crane, her cherished grandchildren Alex Rodriguez, Yessenia Crane, Candis Ariela Ortiz-Vasquez, and Valentina Ortiz-Vasquez, as well as her loving son-in-law Benny Vasquez and her loyal dog companion, Max.

Born on May 4, 1947, in Costa Rica, Sandra moved to Mount Vernon, NY, at the age of 16. She built a vibrant life there, becoming a talented hairdresser and the proud owner of Sandra's Beauty Salon, a beloved local business. In 1986, she relocated to Tampa, FL, where she met and married the love of her life, Frank Garcia, before making a home together in Lutz.

Sandra was a woman of many gifts. An artist at heart, she found joy in dance, often twirling to merengue rhythms even while cleaning her house. Her love for music filled her home with the melodies of ballads by artists like Juan Gabriel, Camilo Sesto, and Julio Iglesias, which she would whistle with a mastery that even songbirds would envy. She was also passionate about Spanish flamenco dance, classic Italian and Portuguese artists, and the grandest American orchestra singers of her time. Her artistic nature extended to painting, reupholstery, furniture restoration, and especially to her love for planting and gardening. Her favorite flowers were tulips and birds of paradise. 

In her later years, Sandra became a compassionate caretaker to the elderly and sick, guiding them through their final days with the same tenderness she showed her family. A nurturing wife,  mother and grandmother, she created a home filled with warmth, love, and laughter. She could take apart almost anything, fix it, and put it back together again with the skill and determination of an engineer. She was strong, fearlessly climbing onto her roof to clean the gutters or scale trees to trim branches, always with pride in her abilities.

Sandra’s Chinese heritage was a source of great pride, and she carried herself with elegance and grace. Always fashionable, she was a fierce defender and loyal friend, known for her affectionate and loving nature. A talented cook, she welcomed one and all to her table, where she shared thoughtful gifts and created lasting memories. 

Sandra Maria Garcia will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, strength, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Flowers and Plants for the memorial service are appreciated and can be delivered directly to Yannantuono Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, NY.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Garcia, please visit our floral store.