Sandra Cobaugh Obituary

Sandra Cobaugh
On April 23, 2025, Sandra Jean (Nee: Freed) Cobaugh passed away, at 78 years old, from medical complications related to Parkinsons. She passed peacefully in her sleep and went to meet her Lord in heaven.
Sandra was born to Clinton and Elizabeth "Betty" (Nee: Goerke) Freed of Burt Lake, Michigan on March 28, 1947. She was the oldest child in a family of six children and went by Sandy. Her childhood was filled with adventure and toil, overseeing her younger brothers and sister, and keeping them in line. She had her hands full.
While a student at Inland Lakes High School, Sandy played piano at Burt Lake Christian Church. She was an excellent student, and graduated Suma Cum Laude with the title of Salutatorian in 1965. Sandra participated in 4H. She traveled with the group to Washington D.C. as a senior, and was awarded scholarships through 4H to fund her college education.
Sandra attended Northern Central Michigan College, where she met her husband Daniel (Dan) Cobaugh in a Mathematics Course. They married in Burt Lake Christian Church in 1967, and transferred to Central Michigan University to finish their degrees. Sandra earned a Speech Therapy degree. Later, she went back to school to earn a Master's and a Specialist degree in School Psychology.
Sandy and Dan built a home in Midland, Michigan where they worked, attended a local church, and raised two daughters. Sandy was employed at the Bullock Creek School and the Midland County ESA, in Special Education. She and Dan enjoyed their summers off, camping and vacationing up north on Burt Lake and Lake Charlevoix. They purchased a 19' powerboat upon which Dan fished, and Sandra relaxed by reading, knitting, and swimming in the lakes.
In 1994, they purchased a townhouse in Charlevoix, Michigan, and began staying there during summer breaks and holidays. This began Sandra's migration back to her Northern Michigan home. After she retired in 2007, she and Dan sold their house in Midland and moved to Charlevoix to be close to the lakes.
Throughout Sandra's life she was an avid and highly skilled knitter. She created hundreds of beautiful and complicated works of art, and treasured her yarn stash. Her favorite yarn store was the Dutch Oven, where her grandmother Cora used to work. Never one to imbibe, she savored fine yarns. She shared her love for knitting by gifting her creations, teaching others, and fixing their mistakes. She enjoyed knitting circles, and knitting retreats in idyllic locations.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Cobaugh; her daughters, Sharlynn Cobaugh Parker, and Deanna Cobaugh; as well as her five siblings and their spouses, Daryl and Michelle Freed, Mark and Laura Freed, Rocky and Marty Freed, Mick and Denise Freed, Tracy and Bill Moore, and Laura Burrer. Sandy is also survived by her sole grandson, Jaden Parker; son-in-law, Stone Parker; aunt, Barbara Irelan; and a large contingent of nieces, nephews, and their children. She loved doting on her family and gave everyone her full attention while she was with them. Her loving presence will be missed by her family and many close friends, including Janet (Swadling) Traylor, her longtime best friend.
Sandy will be interred in Ohioville Cemetery in Burt Lake, Michigan. Her family will hold a Celebration of Life Ceremony in early August 2025, and will update the Nelsons' website with details. Messages to family can be shared through Nelsons online memorial page.