Patricia Ann D'Andrea Sandlin
December 1, 1959 – January 20, 2026

Patricia Ann D'Andrea Sandlin passed away on January 20, 2026. She lived her life guided by her faith and strong family values, with her family always her greatest priority. Patti was the devoted mother of four amazing children, a loving grandmother to five grandchildren, and a proud great-grandmother to one great-grandson. She was the beloved daughter of Francis and Nina D'Andrea, a sister, an aunt, and a loving presence to her many nieces and nephews and cousins.

She is survived by her children: Billy Ray Sandlin; Shelly Ann Sandlin Jones and her husband, Ronald Dwayne Jones; Charles Hugh Wayne Sandlin; and Nina Francis Sandlin; her grandchildren: Shelby Leann Sandlin, Ronald Dwayne Jones, Jr., Cloe Shyann Sandlin Fox, Aimee Lynne Sandlin, and Charlene Grace Sandlin; and her great-grandson, Leon Dallas Fox.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Joseph D'Andrea and Nina Lorraine Jessel D'Andrea; by her beloved husband, Leon Wayne Sandlin; and by her brother, Francis "Frankie" D'Andrea. She is also survived by her siblings:​ Teryse "Teri" D'Andrea (Kenneth Anson), Anthony "Tony" D'Andrea (Kristy), Joseph "Joey" D'Andrea (Breanna), and James "Jimmy" D'Andrea (Mandy), and by their many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her aunt, Grace D'Andrea Fort, and her aunt, Francine Jessel Mendoza, and her husband, Paul Mendoza. She was preceded in death by Grace's late husband, Marcello Joseph Fort. Family was always at the center of Patti's life. She treasured her many phone calls with her Aunt Grace, and as it became harder for her to travel, her world remained full through a wide circle of conversations and connections. She maintained a full chain of relationships, staying close to so many people through calls filled with love, laughter, and care. If you were lucky enough to be loved by Patti, you knew it. She made sure to tell you — every time. "Love you, always and forever" was how she ended her letters, texts, and phone calls, a reflection of the way she lived and loved. Patti was also an eight-year cancer survivor who fought a brave and determined fight with quiet strength and grace. Throughout her journey, she continued to care for others, often sharing comforting, heartfelt recipes as another way of showing love and empathy.​ As I was privileged to stay with my sister during her final days, I witnessed the love that surrounded her. I heard whispers of "I'll miss her forever," "She loved me when I couldn't even love myself," and others softly saying, "She was my best friend." She was my sister, my first roommate, and a steady source of love, laughter, and light in my life. To witness a life lived with such love is a gift I will carry always. Her life was truly a life well lived.

She will be loved and missed beyond words.

This was how Patti always ended her conversations with me:

Love you, always and forever.
Your Sis