Sandi Bratley Obituary

Sandi Bratley, age 58, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
Born on June 30, 1966, in Galliano, Louisiana, Sandi lived a life marked by love, creativity, and a heart full of generosity. She made her home in many places across the country-Golden Meadow, LA; Las Vegas, NV; Colorado Springs, CO; Vandenberg AFB, CA; and Navarre, FL- bringing kindness and light with her wherever she went. Her career reflected her resilience and versatility. In Louisiana, she worked as a waitress and also as part of a survey crew that worked deep in the swamps of southern Louisiana. In Las Vegas, she brought her right spirit to Rivera Casino, Palace Station, and others. During her early years in Las Vegas, Sandi found comfort and guidance through the friendship of Monica and Mark, a kind couple who took her under their wing during a challenging time. Coming from a small town and seeking her footing in a new world, she found in them both the support and stability she needed to grow. Their presence in her life was more than friendship-it was a lifeline that helped her chart a steadier path forward. After moving to Colorado Springs, she worked in an insurance office, at Compaq Computers, and with Sprint. Later, while living near Vandenberg AFB, she joined Citrix Online in Santa Barbara, California. When she and her husband moved to Navarre, Florida, in 2007, Sandi continued to work for Citrix Online teleworking. In 2012, she transitioned to disability due to health challenges, and shortly after, began running a successful eBay store from home. Sandi graduated from high school in Golden Meadow, LA, and while she was in Colorado Springs completed some college. She was a lifelong learner at heart and had a gift for crafting beauty in every form. She found immense joy in the whimsical and the heartfelt. Her love for rubber ducks was more than just something she collected-it was a reflection of her playful, endearing nature. She adored minions and shared her life with beloved pets: cats Mickey, Minnie, Auggie, and her "baby," Camper, along with dogs Tnu, Teddy, and Daisy. A talented crafter, she enjoyed card-making with her Cricut, and especially loved working with sublimation on cups, hats, and shirts. Her crafting supplies were as abundant and lovingly curated as the kindness she showed others. Whether traveling to Tennessee cabins, cruising the seas, visiting theme parks, or just being with family, Sandi treasured every shared moment with her husband, David, and with loved ones in Louisiana and North Carolina. Sandi's personality was a beautiful blend of innocence, creativity, and unwavering faith. She was kind, sweet, unselfish, and thoughtful-never one to seek attention, but always the one you were glad to have near. Adventurous in her own steady way, she showed her love through action-like caring for her mother in their home for six years, or providing shelter and support to a family member in need. She had her own unique expressions of joy and calm-whether gently quacking like a duck to spark a smile or saying "It is what it is" to steady the soul during hard times. These small, sincere gestures became part of the comfort she offered so naturally. Despite the miles between them, Sandi formed a deep and loving friendship with her mother-in-law. They spoke for hours each day over Facebook, sharing stories, laughter, and companionship that became a steady light in both of their lives. Their bond was a testament to Sandi's open heart and her gift for making others feel seen, understood, and never alone. Sandi's life was also enriched by dear friendships that stood the test of time and distance. Her childhood friend Beverly, and Beverly's husband Brent, remained a steady presence throughout the years. She also shared a lasting and heartfelt friendship with Kenny, another companion from her early days who continued to be part of her life. In her later years, Sandi found deep comfort and connection with Karla and her husband Mike. Though Karla met Sandi shortly after her leukemia diagnosis, their friendship blossomed into one of kindness, compassion, and true care-a testament to the light Sandi radiated, even during her hardest seasons. While not every name can be listed, Sandi's life was full of friendships, kind encounters, and bonds formed across the years-each one a thread in the beautiful tapestry of her journey. Sandi is survived by her devoted husband, David Bratley, and by two daughters she embraced as her own: Kirstee Lagarde (husband, Nathan) and Kelsee Bratley, who knew her not just as a stepmother, but as the true and loving mother figure in their lives.
Sandi was also a proud and adoring grandmother to Lucas, Kirstee and Nathan's son, whose presence brought her so much joy. Kelsee shared a deeply special bond with her partner, Chet, and their closeness brought comfort and happiness to Sandi in her later years. She also leaves behind two beloved brothers: Andy Chauvin (wife, Connie) and Roy Guilbeau (wife, Joy). Sandi shared strong bonds with both her brothers and their families, cherishing the moments they spent together. She held especially dear the frequent visits and holidays spent with Roy, Joy, and their children, Connor and Hannah, whose presence
always brought a sparkle to her days. Her extended family and chosen family alike were bound to her by the warmth, generosity, and welcome she gave so freely. She was preceded in death by her parents and other close family members, who she loved dearly and carried in her heart throughout her life. A celebration of Sandi's life will be held at: Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery 2942 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Services are tentatively planned for late July or early August, pending final scheduling after July 26. Details will be shared with family and friends as they are confirmed. All who knew and loved Sandi are welcome to attend and join in honoring her beautiful life