Sandra Jean Bates

Sandra “Sandy" Jean Bates, 82, of Ocoee, Florida, passed away on February 5, 2023. Sandra was born on July 4, 1940 in Buffalo, New York to the late Mrs. Doris Hunter Grabau and Mr. Robert Austin Grabau.

Sandy attended Kenmore High School (Buffalo, NY) and earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Valencia College (Orlando, Fl.) She worked for the Palm Beach County School Board and also as a controller for Smurfit-Stone for many years. Sandy married Eugene "Gene" S. Bates in 1987. After retiring 22 years ago, she and Gene traveled the United States and loved camping, fishing, family gatherings, and BBQ’s. Family was a huge part of Sandra’s life. In her free time, she enjoyed beading, hand sewing, reading, and she loved taking the grandkids and great-grandkids to EPCOT whenever she could. Sandra joined the Crown of Glory Lutheran Church 10 years ago and was a proud and faithful member. She met many wonderful friends while there, and practiced her faith daily.

Sandy is predeceased by her parents, and her husband. Sandy is survived by her siblings, Susan Acevedo, Diane Connell (Jim), Robert Grabau (Christine) and Sallie-Jo Grabau (Ginny); Her children, Alisa Schumacher-Schoelig, and Betsey M. Coleman. Her grandchildren; Lawrence Schumacher, Michael Austin Chiles (Jennie), Katie M. Brunette (Geoff), and John Schumacher; Grandchildren kfive children (Lawrence), Harrison and Nora (Michael Austin), Reagan (Katie), and Elliott ( John); Nieces and Nephew, Beth and Robin (Diane), George, Andrea, Amanda (Robert), Nicole and Alexis (Susan); Grand Nieces and Nephews, Dalton and Colton (Amanda), Lillian and Kass (Andrea).

Sandy was loved by all that knew her. She will be missed by all who knew her.