Sandra Grace Weiss

Sandra (Barnes) Weiss passed away peacefully on January 7, 2020, at the age of 79, following a lengthy illness. Born to Grace (Coolidge) Barnes and Harold S. Barnes, she was raised in Petersham. “San” was a member of the first graduating class of Mahar Regional High School in 1958, going on to earn a B.A. in Elementary Education from Fitchburg State College, and a Master’s degree later in life. San’s career in education spanned 36 years, teaching in New Jersey and California, before signing on to teach at Department of Defense Overseas Schools in Okinawa, Japan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1977, San married the love of her life, Dr. Justin Weiss, and they settled in Newton, MA, where she was employed for 30 years by Newton Public School System. Always full of fun and creative ideas, San was universally loved by her students and colleagues. San and Justin enjoyed 28 years of a very happy married life, dividing their time between Newton, Cape Cod, and Naples, FL, and sharing their love of travel to far off places. Family and friends have many fond memories of visiting San and Justin at their homes, where she was the consummate hostess and tour guide, always prepared with a long list of fun and interesting activities for her guests. San was a teenager when she first discovered Elvis, and she became a devoted, life-long fan. Her sense of humor made her the life of any party, and her commitment to family and friends was always evident. She will be sorely missed, and warmly remembered, by all who knew her. San was preceded in death by her husband, Justin, and her brothers, Steven Barnes and Roland Barnes. She is survived by her sisters, Diane Aslund of Surprise, AZ, Pam Chevalier of Petersham, MA, and Jackie Russo of Santa Cruz, CA, along with her step-son Dr. Charles Weiss and wife Glenna of Newton, MA, step-daughter Deborah Horlacher and husband David of Westford, MA, grandchildren Jodie, Amanda, Jill, Jonathan, and great-grandchildren Xander, Zoe, Annabelle, and all her dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. We would like to thank the staff of Broadview Assisted Living in Winchendon, and Sandy’s wonderful caregivers, Kim, Diona, Bee, Enid, and Chris, who always kept Sandy smiling. If you would like to make a donation in San’s memory, you can send your gift to Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Attn: Development 1055 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215 A funeral service for Sandy will be held in Petersham at a later date. To send an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange is assisting with arrangements.