Sandy J. (Pickunka) Bailey

Sandra J Bailey, 63, of Turners Falls MA, passed away on February 23rd, after a 3 year hard fought battle with Ovarian Cancer surrounded by her loving family.

Sandy was born July 30, 1962, in Holyoke, MA the daughter of Ronald and Theresa (Jekanowski) Pickunka.

Sandy graduated from Smith Academy in 1980, then went on to Greenfield Community College, earning an associate’s degree in data management.

Sandy married Mark Bailey on September 20, 1986, at Holy Trinity Church in Hatfield MA. They had been married for 39 years at the time of Sandy’s passing. It was very well known how much they loved and respected each other through the years. There was always laughter in their lives no matter what life threw at them. Sandy leaves behind not only her husband but Katelin her loving daughter. Katelin was always the light of her life and was critical to her comfort in the final weeks.

Sandy worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Principle at the Turners Falls High School for 20 years, retiring in September of 2021. Her impact went well beyond her title touching countless lives in ways that will not be forgotten. Previously, Sandy worked for Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company for over 15 years.

She loved the beach (most specifically Cape Cod), honing her culinary skills as well as hosting and entertaining. Sandy took great pride in her home, finding joy in making sure her family and friends were always comfortable, supported and well cared for.

Sandy had a way of putting others before herself, always leading with kindness and generosity. She had an energy that lit up every room she entered and a laugh that was impossible to forget. Sandy saw the best in people and would do absolutely anything for anyone, leaving behind a legacy of love that lives on through all those that she touched.

Remaining to cherish Sandy’s memory are her husband Mark, daughter Katelin, brother James Pickunka and his partner Christine, her sister Anne-Marie Lauder, and her husband Derek, sister-in-law Beth Phillips, several aunts and uncles and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as her fur grandson, Teddy.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents Ronald and Theresa Pickunka and mother-in-law Anne Bailey.

Per Sandy’s request there will be no traditional funeral services.

A Celebration of Life in her honor will be held at Terrazza’s Restaurant at the Country Club of Greenfield 244 Country Club Rd., Greenfield, MA., on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. All are welcome to attend and come and go as they wish as we raise a glass and toast to celebrate Sandy’s life.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com. 

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