Barbara Jean Gandy

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Barbara Jean Gandy, 75, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 3:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at her residence.

Barbara was born on Dec. 15, 1934 at Ava, Ill. to Albert and Lillian (Graff) McBride. On April 9, 1955, she married Robert N. Gandy.

Barbara was a loving and devoted wife to Robert through 54 years of marriage. Barbara gave much support to her husband through all of their shared joys and difficulties. Barbara's unwavering support and loyalty allowed Robert to achieve much as a person and as a practitioner of the law.

Barbara was a warm, caring and encouraging mother to her three children. She created a home which provided an atmosphere that allowed them to develop into responsible and productive people.

Barbara loved and doted on her four grandchildren. The close relationship that she shared with her grandchildren was a great joy to her extended family.

Those who knew Barbara are well aware of the grace and poise with which she faced a long illness. Her courage and composure never deserted her and was an inspiration to those around her.

To her friends and relatives, Barbara was a gracious, kind, generous, humorous and thoughtful person whose presence will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert: her three children: Janet Fowler, Patricia Lopez and Robert Brian Gandy; four grandchildren: Emily Fowler, Perry Lopez, Briana Lopez and Maxwell Gandy; a brother, Glen McBride; and a sister, Mary Ann Burkett.

A private family service was held at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.