Sandra J. Tirabassi

With hearts full of sorrow and love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, Sandra J. Tirabassi, of Bloomingdale. She passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elk Grove Village.

A woman of extraordinary beauty, strength, and more than a touch of sass, Sandra was born June 15, 1938, to Roy and Velda Buchanan, in Tennessee. She married the love of her life, Joseph Tirabassi, and had two children, Wendy and Joseph. They built a life in Addison, Illinois, and Sandy loved throwing parties with her many friends. When her children got older, she went to beauty school and got her stylist license. She was a hair stylist for most of her adult life, continuing to touch up the locks of family and friends well into her 80s.

Sandra was deeply devoted to her faith, reading the Bible and praying on a daily basis. She was always everyone’s greatest cheerleader, lifting those around her up with words of encouragement and unwavering support. She valued human connection and made it a priority to stay in regular contact with family and friends. Above all, she was devoted to her family and cherished the time they spent together, creating treasured memories throughout the years. She was affectionately known as “Sandy Claus” during the Christmas season and took great pride in preparing her meals and decorating the house for the holidays. She loved the beach, palm trees, long walks, and leisurely strolls through shopping malls.

Sandra was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph, her cherished parents Roy and Velda Buchanan, her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Ted Ray, her treasured sister Violet, and her dear son-in-law, David Kast. She is survived by her brother James Buchanan and his wife Fran, devoted children Wendy Kast (Tirabassi) and Joseph Tirabassi, Joseph's wife Sava, as well as her grandchildren Eris and Paige (Wendy) and Joseph, Maximillian, Gianna and Benedict (Joseph) Tirabassi, great-grandchildren Storm, Willow and Tyson (Paige), and her dear longtime friend Peter Miranda.