Alexandra Isabel "Sandra" Heydon (nee MacCarthy)

We are sad to share the news of the passing of a very special lady, Sandra “Sandy” Heydon. She passed away at 96 surrounded by love - her family, friends, and caring staff at Chemainus Health Care Centre.

Sandra was predeceased in 2010 by her husband, Dr. Gordon Heydon, a highly regarded Chemainus doctor. Together they moved to Chemainus with their young family in 1955. Gordon had just completed his internship at Vancouver General and Sandra had been teaching at McPherson Junior High.

Born and raised in Burnaby, Sandra was the youngest and last surviving child of Ashton and Dolenna MacCarthy. Sandra and her siblings Jim, Parker, and Jessie grew up on their family’s small dairy farm on Kingsway. She graduated from South Burnaby High in 1946 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from UBC in 1950 and her Teaching Certification from Vancouver Normal School in 1951.

Shortly after moving to Chemainus, Sandra joined the Hospital Auxiliary beginning her lifelong membership and service with the organization. Through the years she was well known, admired and respected for the exceptional leadership, energy, and enthusiasm she brought to the Auxiliary as well as many other organizations and the community in general.

A tireless volunteer and creative force, she received many awards in recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to the community, including the prestigious Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the British Columbia Community Achievement Award in 2007.

Beautiful inside and out, Sandra had a remarkable ability to inspire and bring people of all ages and walks of life together. She touched and brought joy to so many lives and was once described as “the Spirit of Chemainus Personified”.

Sandra produced and directed over 17 full length original musical productions (Hospital Day Shows) and many other special events to help raise funds to purchase equipment for the hospital and health related services. She organized and chaired the Health Care Task Force and played piano every week for decades for the enjoyment of Chemainus Health Care Centre residents.

One of the original members of the Chemainus Revitalization Committee and Festival of Murals Society, Sandra devoted countless hours to the town’s revitalization projects which helped transform “The Little Town That Did” into a world class destination.

As president of the Seniors’ Drop-In Centre, she played a leading role in making the Centre one of the most productive, thriving, and fun-filled places in town. She produced and directed 8 more original musical productions and coordinated many special events for the enjoyment of members and to raise funds for the Centre and other initiatives, including Tour de Rock. She also led the Centre’s ambitious building expansion and renovation project.

Above all, Sandra was devoted to her family. She cherished time spent with family and friends. She especially loved her role as Grandma and took special pride in her grandchildren.

Sandra will be lovingly remembered for her beautiful smile, sense of humour, kind caring ways and so much more.

She leaves behind her son Keith (Denise), daughter Elizabeth Bennett (Mark), grandchildren Spencer and Georgia Bennett, step grandson Bryce Bennett (Natasha, Oslo, Sebastian); the MacCarthys - nephews Parker (Virginia), Steven (Sheila), Greg, their families, niece Jane, late nephew John’s children, sister-in-law Barbara, her friends, and her community – all forever enriched by her life.

If you wish to make a donation, please consider the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary.

A Celebration of Sandra’s life will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre (formerly Seniors' Drop-in Centre), 9824 Willow Street, Chemainus, B.C.