Sandra Freeman's Obituary
Sandra Lee Swaney Freeman, lovingly known as “Sandy,” age 79, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Forest Hills Nursing Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
She was born on November 18, 1946, at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa to Larry Wayne Swaney Sr. and Billie Arthurene Swaney. A lifelong Oklahoman, Sandy graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University, and went on to pursue a master’s degree in gifted education. Her sharp mind was no secret, and on special occasions would let those close to her know she was a proud member of MENSA.
It was at Sharp Chapel in Tulsa that Sandy married the love of her life, Gary Keith Freeman, on November 15, 1969. Shortly after, Sandy had decisions to make while her newlywed husband finished his service in Vietnam: choose the path of a career woman, working with room-sized computers and accepting job offers from companies like NASA, or fulfill a calling she sensed to be a stay-at-home mother to the children she knew she would be blessed with in the years to come. Choices were made, and together they built a life and a family rooted in the Tulsa area. Over the years, they raised two children who were, as she would tell you herself, the very best part of her life.
Sandy's talents were many, and her interests reached in every direction. A lifelong musician, she played several instruments in the Nathan Hale Marching Band, sang with the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus, appeared as an extra in the Tulsa Opera, and played the piano with the same commitment she brought to everything else. She built a side career as a Realtor and loved flipping houses with her husband. Sandy had a curious, spirited, adventurous streak that surprised and delighted those who knew her. You never knew what adventure she was dreaming about, but you could count on those dreams becoming reality, and before long, you would see her on the track at Hallett in a Porsche, traveling to Europe, and taking motorcycle safety classes, as she just had to have a Harley. Above all of it, though, she treasured relationships and time spent with her family. She was, simply, the absolute most dedicated wife and the very best mother anyone could ask for. Her faith was a steady thread throughout her life, and she found a church home at The Park Church of Christ.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Wayne Swaney Sr. and Billie Arthurene Swaney, and her brother, Larry Wayne Swaney Jr.
Left to honor Sandy and carry her memory forward are her devoted husband of 56 years, Gary Keith Freeman; her son, Gregory Scott Freeman; her daughter, Catherine Lee Freeman; and her four cherished grandchildren, Preston Scott Freeman, Avery Lyn Freeman, Lydia Ann Freeman, and Lillian Grace McDaniel, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; along with the many dear friends who became family.
Sandy will be remembered as a devoted wife, the best mom ever, and the one person you could always rely on through thick and thin, with a Dr. Pepper in one hand and your hand in the other.
The Freeman family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Helen Morehead, Sandy’s best friend, who was by her side through life and stayed with her until the very end. The family is also deeply grateful to Diana Cheek, who went from babysitter to lifelong friend and who, in Sandy’s words, “helped us Freemans see more than what was just in front of us.”
A visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Floral Haven in Broken Arrow. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Floral Haven Cemetery Chapel, with Will Spoon of The Park Church of Christ officiating. A graveside service will take place immediately following, as Sandy is laid to rest in the Veterans area at Floral Haven.
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