Sandra Garcia Barrette

Sandra Garcia Barrette, a dedicated wife, proud grandmother, loving sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend to many, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 1, 2024, to be united with her Lord Jesus Christ. She was 64.

Sandra was born on Jan. 18, 1960, in El Paso, Texas, where she attended Riverside High School and proudly participated in the ROTC. Little was she aware at the time that this would commence a lifelong journey of service.

After high school, Sandra started pursuing a pathway toward becoming a nurse but was recruited by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and in 1984 moved from El Paso to Austin to join its training academy. Sandra was one of five women in her class and proudly graduated from the academy six months later. She would go on to spend the next 36 years in various roles at DPS, including Trooper, Corporal, Sergeant, and Special Agent across many departments, including Highway Patrol, Driver's License, Recruiting, Regulatory Services, Criminal Investigations, and even served as the detail to two governors.

Sandra and her husband traveled often and adventurously, honeymooning in Hawaii, exploring the floating markets and temples of Thailand, absorbing the rich culture of Japan, enjoying St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, and Le Maison du Gruyères in Switzerland, and many other exquisite destinations. Her love of travel carried her on many other adventures with friends and family, including Lourdes in Portugal, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and other corners of the world.

In 2020, Sandra retired from her decades of service with a resounding recognition by DPS and her colleagues, who were sad to see her leave after all those years, but honored to have served alongside her, recognizing her big heart, compassion, and commitment to service.

After retirement, Sandra took on her most important role: grandmother.

For the next four years, Sandra would spend every moment she could with her granddaughter, having slumber parties, cooking waffles in the early mornings, playing dress up, and having dance parties, and ultimately, loving her fiercely. Her deep love, admiration, and pure awe of her granddaughter was beautifully breathtaking and forever memorable.

Her unwavering faith was also profound. Sandra demonstrated the highest commitment and dedication to her faith and her church, and she truly walked in the footsteps of the Lord, who welcomed her to her eternal resting place.

Sandra is joined in heaven by her parents Graciela Duarte (mother), Francisco Garcia (father), Prince Albert Barrett (father-in-law), Artie Barrett (mother-in-law), Coty Duarte (aunt), Armando Duarte (uncle), Beatriz Duarte (aunt), and Abelardo Duarte (uncle).

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 23 years, Albert A. Barrette; her beloved granddaughter Juniper and stepson Rashidi and daughter-in-law Marjorie Barrett; her devoted siblings Connie (Lalo) Gutierrez (sister), Sylvia (Reuben) De La Rosa (sister), Jerry Garcia (brother), Francisco Garcia (brother), and Jorge (Nancy) Garcia (brother); her faithful cousin Paty Duarte; her many cherished nieces and nephews Robert Gutierrez (nephew), Krystian De La Rosa (niece), Alex De La Rosa (nephew), Javier Garcia (nephew), Jerry Garcia Jr. (nephew), Corina Garcia (niece), Sergio Archuleta (nephew), Fernando Archuleta (nephew), Michael Garcia (nephew), Jaqueline Garcia (niece), Joseph Garcia (nephew), and Alexandra Garcia (niece); along with her dear friends Luis and Annie Medina, Art and Hermelinda Cavazos, and Natalia Gonzales.

Sandra lived a beautiful life that brought joy to everyone who surrounded her. Her smile was infectious and her love for others ran deep and true. While she will be missed by those who had the honor of knowing her, may the memories shine bright, and her love live forever in our hearts.

A visitation and rosary will be held Wednesday, April 10, from 5-8 p.m. at St. Austin's Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas 78705, with a funeral mass Thursday, April 11, at 11 a.m., and a reception to follow.