Sandra Jean Smyth

It is with immeasurable sadness, we share the passing of our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend, Sandra (Sandy) Jean Smyth. Sandy passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family and closest friends, in the home she cherished so deeply, where she raised her family, filled countless years with love and memories, and always felt most at peace.

Sandy was born on August 24, 1950, to Jean and John Angel in Luton, England, and grew up in the small village of Markyate. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Jean and John, and her sister, Jackie.

Sandy married her loving husband David (Dave) Micheal Smyth October 6th,1973, in Markyate and they spent 53 years together, raising 3 children Daniel John Smyth, Katie Jane Thompson (Smyth), and Benjamin Leonard Smyth.

As her children grew, so did her family. She lovingly welcomed their spouses, Jenny, Luke, and Julia, embracing each of them as one of her own.

Sandy was a loving “NANDY” to her 6 beautiful grandchildren who she loved dearly, Rowan, Reilly, Sophie, Henry, Violet, and Oliver. Sandy’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, who she showed immense love and generosity.

Following their marriage, Dave and Sandy set off on a new adventure, taking a chance on a job and a new life in Canada on January 9th, 1975. What was meant to be a two-year adventure became a lifetime, bringing with it deep and lasting friendships, wonderful memories, and a place they were proud to call home. In doing so, they gave their children the extraordinary gift of a life in Canada, with opportunities and a future they had once only imagined. Along the way, they also became proud Canadians.

Travel and adventure were a cornerstone of their life together. Taking in journeys to faraway places such as China, Tibet, Australia, Vietnam, India, Europe, and many more.

Sandy was always welcoming her children’s friends, and their home became a place where everyone felt comfortable and included. Growing up, the house was always busy, the food was plentiful, and there was always room for one more at the table. A talented cook and baker, Sandy brought many of the traditional English flavors she loved into their new life in Canada. She famously began her Christmas shopping in January, a tradition she kept right up until the end of her life. Those cherished childhood Christmas mornings will remain among our most treasured memories, forever held close in our hearts. Every member of the family, including each of her grandchildren, has a treasured oversized stocking handmade by Sandy. When Jenny, Luke, and Julia joined the family, their first Christmas was made even more special when they received stockings of their own, lovingly made by Sandy.

Sandy valued kindness, empathy, hard work, and service to others. She lived her life selflessly, always encouraging her children and grandchildren to lead with kindness and to remember that we never truly know what someone else may be going through.

While raising her children, Sandy worked tirelessly and selflessly for her family. She ran her own business from the family home while managing the busy day-to-day lives of three children. Her commitment to others extended well beyond her family, contributing to meaningful initiatives such as the IWK Read to Me Program. She was also an unwavering advocate for people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized communities, always believing deeply in kindness, inclusion, and equality.

One of Sandy’s greatest joys was her work as a Life Skills Coordinator and later as Manager of Atlantic Bag in Halifax, where she dedicated herself to supporting and empowering people with disabilities, helping them gain independence, confidence, and a meaningful sense of purpose.

As her children grew, Sandy was finally able to enjoy more time for herself and pursue the many things that brought her joy. She embraced new passions, including Tai Chi and dragon boat racing, and especially treasured travelling and sharing new experiences with family and friends. These years brought incredible new friendships and a renewed commitment to her health and fitness, something that inspired and impressed all of us who loved her.

Sandy loved being on the water. She proudly displayed her many Dragon Boat medals, several of which were earned competing against teams far younger and fitter than her own. She also treasured time spent on her son Daniel’s sailboat, enjoying the peace and beauty of being out on the water with family.

Throughout her illness and courageous fight with cancer, her loving husband Dave would drive Sandy to the ocean where they felt most at peace together.

The family would like to acknowledge the unwavering kindness and compassion offered by the gynecological oncology service at the VG hospital, the palliative care service, and the emergency responders who supported at various points throughout this journey. Their professionalism, kindness, and empathy will be something that we are forever grateful for and will pay forward on her behalf.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (Ovarian), or to any of the charitable endeavors that her children will embark on in her honor.

A Celebration of Life for Sandy will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Banook Canoe Club. All those whose lives were touched by Sandy are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate and remember her beautiful life.

If love could have kept you here, you would have stayed with us forever.