Sandi B. Badash

She attended Russell Sage and Lesley Colleges as an undergrad, and received her Masters in Art Education from the University of Connecticut. While living in England with her then-husband Larry Badash and their two children, Lisa and Bruce, she had an acclaimed solo art show in Cambridge. Later, she exhibited her work at solo art shows in Santa Barbara, Santa Fe, New York City, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples. She taught art at Santa Barbara High School, in the Florida Keys, and in Naples.

A flamboyant dresser, Sandi was known for her hats, big turquoise jewelry, and colorful clothing. In her early fifties she took up bodybuilding, entering competitions and winning Miss Palm Beach Over 40.

Sandi was a world traveler, and she and her partner Frank Montemurro sailed on cruise ships all over the globe for ten years, Sandi giving talks on the art and culture of the region and Frank talking about piloting at Boeing 747. A year and a half ago, at age 88, she flew to Vienna with her daughter to shop the Christmas markets.

Sandi never stopped painting, only occasionally trading it out for other artistic endeavors such as beading, which she called “wearable art.” She turned her living room into an art studio, and at barely 4'10” she was still recently turning out paintings nearly as tall as herself.

Sandi loved to take younger people under her wing, more as a peer than a senior, passing along her unique wisdom. She rarely thought of herself as old, and neither did anyone else.

She leaves behind her two children, Lisa Dale Jones of Beverly, Massachusetts and Bruce Badash (Vicky) of Pleasant Hill, California. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held, with date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, or your local animal shelter.