Sadie Corine Barlow

Born on July 7, 1942, Sadie was one of six siblings. She graduated from Aldine Senior High School in 1960 and went on to build a long career with ADP before retiring around 2007. Throughout her life, Sadie formed friendships that endured for decades, including many from her years at ADP and through the YMCA.

Sadie was a woman of remarkable strength and independence. Hardworking and resilient, she believed in taking responsibility for yourself, making the most of what you had, and preparing for whatever life might bring. She valued living within her means and saving for the future, and she passed those values on to her family. What may have seemed like simple lessons in frugality were, in many ways, Sadie’s way of teaching the people she loved how to build secure, independent lives of their own.

Yet for all that she taught her family about standing on their own two feet, Sadie never expected them to stand alone. When someone she loved needed her, she was there. She could be counted on to step in, lend a hand, offer support, or simply come to the rescue. Her love was often expressed in practical ways, in showing up, taking care of things, and making sure her family had what they needed. Beneath her strong and independent spirit was a deeply generous heart and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Sadie also understood that life was meant to be enjoyed. She loved to dance, especially the polka, waltz, and two-step. Later, she found joy and a competitive streak in pickleball, participating in many local competitions until problems with her knees made playing difficult. She took great pride in her home and especially her lawn, which earned “Yard of the Month” several times. And among the companions who held a special place in her heart was her beloved dog, Lulu.

Some of the family’s fondest memories of Sadie are found in the simple times they spent together playing dominoes, gathering for games of murder, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company. And then there was cooking. Sadie claimed that she hated to cook, although her family might question just how much she really disliked it. Whatever her feelings about being in the kitchen, she made sure her family knew how to cook for themselves, another practical lesson from a woman who wanted the people she loved to feel capable and confident in caring for themselves.

Sadie married Louis Barlow in 1960, and they shared their lives until his death in 1980. She later married Don Simmerman in 1985; they divorced in 2006.

At the heart of Sadie’s life was her family. She leaves a legacy of love with her daughter, Gay Barlow, and Gay’s husband, Charlie Walton; her son, Robert Barlow, and his partner, Kim Lejune; granddaughter Ashley Barlow and her partner, George Angelidakis; grandson Ryan Barlow and his wife, Elizabeth; great-granddaughter Sophia; and her brother, John Frazier.

Sadie will be remembered for her courage and resilience, her honesty and humor, her generosity and compassion, and the fierce devotion she had for the people she called family. She taught those around her that a meaningful life is built not only through the milestones we celebrate, but through the everyday choices we make: work hard, take care of what you have, nurture friendships that last, find reasons to laugh and enjoy yourself, and, above all, show up for the people you love.

Most especially, her family is grateful for the life she shared with them, for the strength and independence she instilled in them, for the love she showed through both words and actions, and for a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring smiles, laughter, comfort, and love in the years ahead.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 5, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas. Funeral services will be held there on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the committal service at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.