Sandra “Sandy” Fillman, 1937-2025
The world is less sweet after losing such a spectacular lady and heaven has gained another angel: Sandra “Sandy” (also known as Grams, Nana, Nonni, Grandma) Fillman on July 9. Sandy was so loved by her family, friends and neighbors. She will be missed greatly for her kindness, hospitality, and consistent love and light that she brought to wherever she was.
Sandy was born in Hemett, CA June 21, 1937. She had four children she adored by the age of 21. She found her stride in the restaurant business- being the wonderful people person and organized businesswoman that she was. This gift led her to meet John Fillman and begin their life and adventure together, first in Oregon then, in 1982 they moved up to Glennallen running the Caribou Cafe until 1994.
Sandy was blessed to have wonderful friends and live with the love of her life in Glennallen for years. She was truly the "hostess with mostess,” working with a smile and in high heels for hours each day on the restaurant floor. She mentored many young people in the food industry and led with gentleness and generosity.
After their retirement and John’s death, she helped with grandchildren, sewed up a storm, and became an amazing gardener. Sandy was blessed to meet and spend the last 23 years of her life with Mike Barankiewicz, being well-loved, and splitting their time between Eureka and Eagle River- now tending great-grandchildren, a larger garden, more sewing and puzzling.
Sandy loved Mike dearly. She enjoyed family visits and taking care of people. Sandy treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren and made each of them a priority- attending countless sports games, recitals, and events and always welcoming them into her home.
Sandy is preceded in death by John Fillman Sr., her son, Danny Petty, and her great granddaughter Emory McMahan. She is survived by her loving partner, Mike Barankiewicz; her children, Diane Olson, Darla Fimpel, and Dennis Petty, John Fillman II, Suzy Rue, and Melinda Ridgly; grandchildren Candy Bracken, Chris Fillman, Jana Flynn, Johana McMahan, Anthony Petty, John Fillman III, Ryan Fimpel, Kelly Gonzales, Austin Petty, Amanda Petty; great grandchildren Kaden Flynn, Alex, Ian, and Connor Bracken, Lilith and Abigail Fillman, Rowan, Asher and Lucan McMahan, Chase and Kya Fillman, Coleman Fimpel, Kayla, Olivia and Derek Jr. Gonzales, Liam and Logan Petty, Madelyn, Theodore, Rhys, and Callum Marshall.
We, the family, would like to thank her incredible neighbors in Eagle River. We would also like to thank the Providence Hospice staff whose care and compassion comforted us these last weeks. Sandy loved Jesus and we sincerely look forward to the promise of a joyful reunion with her in heaven.