Sandra D. Lackey, 85, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy defined not by what she accumulated, but by what she gave — her boundless love, her generous spirit, and her unwavering devotion to family and friends. To those who loved her, she was simply Sandy.

Born and raised in Portage, Pennsylvania, Sandy set out on her own at the age of 17, making her way to Washington, D.C., where she would build a life full of purpose and connection. She spent most of her career in dedicated service to the federal government, embodying the same quiet reliability and commitment in her work that she brought to every corner of her life.

Those who knew Sandy knew her first through her kitchen. She had a true gift for cooking and baking, and her desserts were legendary among family and friends — the kind that people talked about long after the plates were cleared. But it was at Christmas where Sandy truly came alive. Her generosity during the holiday season was nothing short of breathtaking; she showered every loved one with thoughtful, abundant gifts, making each person feel seen and cherished. Christmas, in Sandy's hands, was never just a holiday — it was a declaration of love.

Beyond her kitchen, Sandy’s passions brought color and beauty to everything around her. She had a deep love of flowers and gardening and was an active and dedicated member of her community garden club, where her enthusiasm and knowledge were cherished by fellow members. Sandy also had a natural eye for interior decorating, and she freely shared that gift with family and friends alike — always ready to lend her creative touch and help make a house feel like a home. Whether in a garden or a living room, Sandy had a way of making the world around her more beautiful.

Sandy never asked for much. She was the kind of person who gave far more than she ever received — in love, in time, in help, and in heart. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured herself into it without reservation. She was a warm, nurturing presence whose love was felt deeply by everyone fortunate enough to be in her life.

Sandy is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul H. Lackey, and her siblings Jim Diehl, Thelma "Tootsie" Brunnett, Arch Diehl, and Marsha Diehl.

She is survived by her two sons: David Lackey and his wife Leah of McLean, Virginia, and Tim Lackey and his wife Michelle of Fairfax, Virginia. She is also survived by six grandchildren — Taylor, Tara, Aleksei, Nikolas, Dominic, and Carmen — and two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Ashton, who will carry her love forward. She is further survived by her sisters Beverly Whitlow and Jane Diehl.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Insight Memory Care Center, an organization that provided compassionate care and support to Sandy during part of her journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Donate to Insight Memory Care Center.

Graveside Service

Quantico National Cemetery

18424 Joplin Rd

Triangle, VA 22172

June 12, 2026 at 1:30 pm

Sandy will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Paul, in a place worthy of her quiet grace and enduring love.