Sandy Samples Strozeski

Sandy began and ended her work life as an educator, starting as a teacher in the Birdville ISD and retiring from Garland ISD as an administrator. In the interim, she worked in a job she truly loved managing sports venues. She started at Arlington Stadium, working until the Ballpark at Arlington opened in 1993. She moved to San Antonio to open the Alamodome, which as an enclosed facility, hosted concerts. She talked about meeting Mick Jagger, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and many others. She was twice tasked with oversight of the Pro Bowl facility in Hawaii. Her career highlight was managing the food and concession operations at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Sandy is survived by her brother Steve Samples of Fort Worth, Texas; her sister-in-law Dr. Roxann Samples of Waco, Texas; her nephew Daniel Samples of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and her niece Dr. Katie Samples of Stanford, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Michael W. Strozeski, who passed on August 25, 2023. Sandy and Mike met while undergraduates at North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas. The rest is, literally, history. No couple was closer; no couple was more in love.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Margaret Samples of Dallas, Texas and her brother Dr. Dan Samples of Waco, Texas. Dogs held a special place in Sandy’s heart, and she has now rejoined the four that she loved throughout her life.

Sandy was a private person, and she kept her circle of friends small. For each of those friends, Sandy’s loyalty was unwavering.

A graveside committal service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on April 11, 2024, at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, Texas 76034, with Father David Madison officiating.