Sandra Slavin Buyalos

Sandra Ann Slavin Buyalos died on November 28, 2021, after a period of declining health. She was born on March 11, 1935 to the late, John and Ann Slavin in Binghamton, New York. Sandy spent her high school years in Sarasota, Florida. She was a graduate from Sarasota High School where she participated on the synchronized swim team. After graduation, Sandy moved to Hopewell, Virginia to live with her sister, opting not to return with her mother to the frigid New York winters. She met the love of her life and late husband of 54 years, James Francis Buyalos, Sr. while working in Hopewell. She was predeceased by her siblings, Jack, Joan and Bette. She is survived by her youngest brother, Michael Slavin of Florida. Sandy is also survived by brother-in-laws, Edward Buyalos and Michael Buyalos (Carolyn).

Sandy is survived by seven children, three especially devoted: Ellen B. Daulton, Matthew D. Buyalos and Bruce P. Buyalos (Mary). Together they faithfully oversaw her care during the past five years. Other surviving children include Brenda B. Thibault (Neal), Maryanne B. Skalak (Steve), James F. (Skip) Buyalos, Jr. (Pam) and Timothy W. Buyalos (Susan). Sandy also leaves a wonderful legacy of fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren to cherish her memory.

Sandy was a resident of Dinwiddie County for 60 years and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the official Buyalos family caregiver, caterer, chauffeur and comforter. Sandy made sure her children were exposed to many social activities including a variety of sports, especially swim team, and music and church. Her husband, Jim used to joke that she required her nine-passenger station wagon (various makes and models over the years) be in good running condition and a broken washing machine replaced immediately! She enjoyed vacationing with family and fishing with Jim in Nags Head, North Carolina. She loved opera music (totally opposite of Jim’s love of country music) and was known for her green thumb.

Our family wishes to thank the caregivers, nurses and staff of Dinwiddie Health and Rehab for their devoted care of our mother over the past years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 pm at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Dinwiddie Chapel, 6616 Boydton Plank Road, North Dinwiddie, VA 23803.

Please no flowers or food. Donations in Sandy’s memory can be made to the Dinwiddie County Food Bank, P.O. Box 427, Dinwiddie, VA 23841 or the Dinwiddie County Animal Shelter, 10903 Wheelers Pond Rd., Dinwiddie, VA 23841. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .