Sandra Jean (Denton) Young, 72, of Syracuse, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015.

“Sandi” was born in Fort Wayne, on July 25, 1943. She attended Central High School and remained a resident of Fort Wayne until 1982. Sandi worked various office jobs as a young woman and eventually worked for Hardware Wholesalers for many years. She was an office supervisor when she left the company. On Nov. 20, 1982, Sandi married Walter Young and moved to Syracuse. Together they owned four bars and restaurants in the Syracuse area. Sandi’s natural organizational abilities served the Young’s well in their businesses. Customers gave her the nickname “Barracuda” because she always “shot straight from the hip” and never held back how she felt about things.

Sandi loved to read and couldn’t resist a good crossword puzzle. She was an avid card player, loved dominoes, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Judge Judy, and old movies. Because they lived on the lake, Sandi learned to ride a jet ski. She truly loved lake living and sunsets on the water. She especially loved to travel and along with her husband “Wally” visited many places, including Hawaii, California, Puerto Rico, Nevada, Florida, Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina and Cozumel, Mexico. The Young’s became “snow birds” when they retired eight years ago. They spent winters in Naples, Florida and summers in Syracuse where they could be near their children and long-time friends.

She is survived by her husband: Walter Young; daughter: Darci (Kim Cole) Denton; daughter: Wendy (James) Hampton; son: Andy Young; three grandsons: Austin Young; Tanner Hampton; and Ian Evans; and three great-grandchildren: Brody; Briant; and Sophia. Also surviving are two brothers: Melvin Tracy; and Richard Ambrose Jr.; and sister: Lisa Ambrose. Sandi was preceded in death by her parents: Eldora Ambrose; Lowell Denton; a daughter: Mindy Young; and beloved dog: Spuds.

Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse. A celebration of life will follow at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the funeral home. Preferred memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., or Syracuse EMS, Syracuse.

Sandi’s family will be forever grateful to the exemplary nursing staff at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw and Southern Care Hospice.

To send condolences in memory of Sandra Young please visit, www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com