Sandra Wood Vallon

Sandra “Sandi” Wood Vallon, 76, of Bartlett, TN, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose thoughtfulness and generosity will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Sandi passed away on June 3rd surrounded by the love of her family after a prolonged battle with cancer. She cherished life immensely and never gave up on her recovery, facing every challenge with strength and grace.

She was predeceased in death by her parents James and Florence Wood of Brattleboro, VT; her brother, James “Chip” Wood of Brighton, NY; and her husband Richard Vallon of Bartlett, TN.

Sandi leaves behind two children, her daughter, Heather Loney Barnette (Bryan Barnette) of Cordova, TN; her son, James Loney (Tara Loney) of Charlotte, NC; and her two cherished granddaughters, Alexa Loney and Anna Loney of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her sister and lifelong best friend Deborah Henrikson of Arlington, TN; nephews Billy Henrikson (Sherryn Henrikson) of Arlington, TN, David Henrikson (Jennifer Henrikson) of Arlington, TN, and Ryan Wood of Bath, NY; nieces Kimberly Luckie (Walton Luckie) of Hattiesburg, MS, Reagan Wood of Rochester, NY, and Bryn Ashcroft (Andrew Aschcroft) of Lancaster, NY; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Her family was the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to supporting, encouraging, and loving them through every stage of life.

Born on June 13th, 1949, in Brattleboro, VT, Sandi was the daughter of Florence and James Wood. She graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic School in 1967. She lived in Brattleboro and worked for Simons Jewelers and then Vermont National Bank before relocating to Bartlett, TN in 1985 where she worked for the Bank of Bartlett until she retired. Sandi and her husband Richard married on December 19th, 1992, and lived together in Bartlett until Rich’s passing in July 2024.

Sandi found joy in caring for her adorable pet cats, and delighted in feeding birds, squirrels, and other small creatures that visited her backyard. She took pride in her home and enjoyed tending to her favorite rose bushes. The inside of her home reflected her heart - always warm, welcoming, and festive, with photos of the people she loved most visible in every direction. She loved cooking and sharing family recipes, especially with her beloved granddaughters. No holiday, birthday, or milestone ever went uncelebrated.

Sandi had a gift for making people feel special, valued, and loved. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a delicious meal, or simply a listening ear, she always gave freely and wholeheartedly. She was forever putting the needs of others before her own. Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we find comfort knowing that her spirit lives on in the memories she created and love she shared. Her legacy is one of kindness, faith, and unconditional love. She will always be a great inspiration for her family through the example she set in how she cared for others, treated animals, and for the grace and gratitude she exemplified.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, June 14th from 12-2pm at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, Tn 38133.

Sandi will be permanently laid to rest on Friday, June 19th at Evergreen Cemetery, 60 Forest Lake Rd in Winchester, NH 03470, alongside her husband Richard and other relatives from the area.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Sandi’s honor to the Bartlett Animal Shelter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.