Biography:
Sandra (Sandy) Maria Palacio was born in Seine Bight Village, Belize on June 1st 1961 to Fernando Palacio and Alexina Ramirez. Despite not being her sibling, she was extremely close to her cousin Mac Thomas, whose parents also helped to raise her.
After living in Belize for 13 years, Sandy migrated to Stockton, California and continued school until she began working. In the 80’s, she made her way to the Big Apple and worked as a Health Aide. However, in 1993, Sandy made a huge contribution to her community when she became a School Safety Agent. At her schools, Sandy could not walk down the hallways without hearing “Hey Palacio!” She was always greeted and respected by staff, children and families who admired her hard work, attention to safety and requirement of respect from the youth.
Sandy was well known and respected in her community. Sandy was a member of First A.M.E. Bethel Church in Harlem and felt passionate about reading her bible and making friends with her elders. When she wasn’t working, you could find her listening to Jim Reeves or gospel music, writing prayers for family members and friends in her journal and calling loved ones on the phone to check up on them. Sandy will be remembered as a funny, outspoken, and vibrant woman that loved many and was loved by everyone.
Sandy was married to Efrain (Tony) Santos and was a mother to three children: Steven, Shelley and Toni and she was a grandmother to three girls: Janeira, Chy’anne and Madyson. Sandy leaves behind four sisters, two brothers, and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, coworkers and friends whose lives she touched.
