Sandra Spada

Sandra Bayhylle Spada, 76, of Bayside, Texas, formerly of Olivebridge, New York, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, at Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX, after a sudden illness. 

Sandra was born on August 3, 1947 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Louis D. Bayhylle and Betty Jo Watson. She graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens, New York, and went on to graduate college at SUNY New Paltz, where her love of art took hold. Sandra taught art for a time at Kerhonkson Elementary School, after which she held various jobs until she became the legal secretary and office manager at her husband’s law office in Accord, New York, where she worked for many years. She continued this legal work in the Ulster County Attorney’s office, and then as an election inspector. Sandra retired in 2012, and was then able to more fully pursue her many interests and hobbies. 

Sandra enjoyed bird watching, quilting, photography, cooking, baking, traveling, and hiking. She expressed her creative nature through these hobbies, and often combined them. Through her travels, often to go birdwatching, she would take amazing pictures of the birds and landscapes, many of which would be included in her homemade calendars that would be gifted to friends and family. Sandra loved quilting and sewing, which she did all her life; after the move to Texas from New York, she joined a quilters club, where the items she created were auctioned off in fundraisers. Not only could family and friends expect to receive her handmade items as gifts - potholders, placemats, and quilts among them - but also the baked goods and canned jams and preserves that she gave away at Christmastime. Sandra liked to keep busy, and take care of those who were important to her. 

Sandra was predeceased by her husband of many years, Frank Michael Spada, Sr., in 2014. She is survived by her four stepchildren: Frank M. Spada, Jr., Andrea S. Kortright (Paul), Kristen Spada Sosa (Carlos), and Michael E. Spada (Cheryl), all of Ulster County, New York; and five grandchildren: Alam Virk, Jordan Kortright, Skylar Kortright (Harry Sansom), Lily Spada, and Sophia Spada. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Grob (Ronald), and many nieces and nephews. 

Memorial services will be held at Pine Bush Cemetery on July 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

In honor of Sandra's life, donations may be made to the following organizations:

• National Audubon Society: www.audubon.org 

• Lupus Research Alliance: www.lupusresearch.org 

Please consider contributing only if you feel so inclined; your thoughts and presence are deeply appreciated.