Sandra Pritchard Barclay

In Loving Memory Sandra Pritchard Barclay (aka Crazy Cat Lady) passed away peacefully at her home in the early morning hours of October 2, 2020.  She was called home to heaven on her 55th wedding anniversary.  Sandy was born on August 17, 1939 to Gordon and Margaret Knowlton Pritchard in Butte Montana.  A little brother Gordon was welcomed to the family 3 and ½ years later. Sandy loved being a big sister for her entire 81 years!  She and her brother Gordon were always very close.  The family lived in Butte for 7 and ½ years until they moved to Salt Lake City. Sandy spent her teenage years growing up in the beauty of the Wasatch Front.  She developed a passion for knowledge at a young age, and pursued her education receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Utah in Comparative Literature, English, and Theater and an advanced degree in Comparative Literature. She would continue to seek knowledge throughout her life, and enjoyed reading and taking college courses well into her retirement. She especially enjoyed learning about history including World and American history.  She had a great love for our country and was very grateful for the freedoms we enjoy.

Sandy married Neil Gardner Barclay in Salt Lake City on October 2, 1965.  Together, they lived in Virginia City and San Francisco before making their permanent home in Salt Lake City 44 years ago. Sandy worked as an executive for KUTV and retired in 2002 after more than 25 years of service.  She was the quintessential manager, truly caring and looking out for her employees.  Her employees, in turn, loved and respected her. She was always very humble and valued the satisfaction of hard work. With her strong work ethic, she set an example for all, and inspired her team to achieve and be only the best they could be.

Sandy was a beloved wife, sister, aunt and friend.  She had so many qualities that endeared her to many including being loving, kind, generous, thoughtful, enjoyable to be with, intelligent, plus all of the other good qualities that make up a beloved friend.  She lived for and loved making other people happy.  She was always finding small tokens to share with her friends that reminded them of how much she loved them.  She possessed a childlike optimism and never failed to celebrate the small beauties of each day. Everything she faced, she faced with joy and sense of humor, and in believing that goodness was all around her, she was able to find it.  Sandy joined the Catholic church and had a great love of God and his son Jesus Christ and all of their creations.  She relished her time feeding the little birds and squirrels in her yard, and especially loved the little chickadees.  She adored her many cats that she and Neil shared throughout their married life.  She truly believed that these creatures were gifts from God created to bring us happiness.  This was a love she instilled in all around her, her love of creatures.  She loved music, poetry, and art, and delighted in laughing at a good movie.  She was enchanted by fireworks, and was known to frequently eat dessert first.    

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, and in-laws.  She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Neil, her brother Gordon (Nancy) Pritchard of Fort Worth Texas, her “sister” Nancy (John) McMurray, her brother in law David (Claire) as well as 13 nieces and nephews and her dear friends. She also leaves behind her beloved cats Misty and Kali. She will be deeply missed.  We have lost an angel to the heavens

The family would like to give a special thank you to “nurse Debbie” for the loving and tender care she rendered to Sandy in her final days.  We believe that Debbie was correct in saying that Sandy had a one way ticket to heaven. 

A private family gathering will be held to honor Sandy.

“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to live life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth." 
-Albert Einstein

Sandy lived a cheerful life.  To honor her, may we all live our lives rich in kindness, beauty and truth.