Sandra Kaye Park Picano

Sandra "Sandy"  Park Picano left this world on December 12th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born to Audrey and John B. Park on January 12th, 1947 at Fort Pierce Memorial Hospital in Fort Pierce, FL, she was raised with her siblings: Lynn Park Kerby, Kirby Park, and Jodee Lyda.

In 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael Jeffrey Picano, Sr. Together, they raised a family and, in 1972, opened Varsity Sport Shop, which proudly served the community for the next 40 years. Early on, Sandy worked as a beautician and played a vital role in helping establish their family business. Yet ever since her days as a student at Aunt Jean’s Kindergarten, she dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher and proudly fulfilled that dream at Florida Atlantic University. Sandy went on to teach for more than four decades at Fairlawn Elementary School, F.K. Sweet Elementary School, and then St. Anastasia Catholic School.

Sandy was a creative talent. If she wasn’t taking care of her family, teaching or working at the sport shop, she was making stained glass art, taking tap dance lessons, sewing, or prepping materials for the next day’s lessons. Sandy was not one to sit down. Life with her was busy and sprinkled with so many unforgettable moments: pulling you to dance along with the Supremes or Chubby Checker, taking the long way to explore or striking up an animated conversation with any child in her vicinity. Her grandbabies truly had the best of both worlds, a beautiful mix of Mrs. Picano the teacher and their beloved Nana.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Lara (Jay) DiMartino; her son, Michael Picano, Jr.; and her adored grandchildren, Sofia, Indie, and Kai, as well as her great‑grandson, Aodhan. She is also survived by her brother, Kirby (Cathy) Park; her sisters, Jodee (Mark) Lyda and Lynn (Steve) Kerby; her Picano family; and thirteen nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Michael Picano, Sr., just months after they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary; her parents, John B. and Audrey Park; and her beloved childhood caretaker, Lurene Love Bell.

The family would like to thank the wonderful Lake Forest Park staff and Vitas Hospice nurses who always treated Sandy with love and respect. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Vitas Hospice Healthcare Treasure Coast.

Visitation will be held on January 11, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Haisley Funeral Home, 3015 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34947.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on her birthday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 407 S. 33rd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34947.