MICHAEL, Sandra Elaine Michael

It is with great sadness and regret that the family of Sandra Michael (nee. Whittaker) announce her passing on October 6th at approximately 11:20pm at her home, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Predeceased by her ever loving, doting and caring husband of 59 years Garry Michael; sisters Lorraine and Carol; and her parents Gwendoline (Plumley) and Edward Whittaker.

Sandra has made an ever lasting impression in the lives of her family and will be greatly missed by her children; Christopher (Darlene), Heather and Judi; her six grandchildren; Nicole, Adam, Dylan (Rachel), Dustin, Megan (Jeff) and Jacob; and by her five great-grandchildren; Peyton, Autumn, Savannah, Oakland and Aubrey.

Known as Sas by her husband, Ma or Mom by her kids, gramma by her grandkids, and Nana by her great-grandchildren. Regardless of the title however, all were greatly privileged to have known the wonderful woman she was, and will forever be changed by her influence on them.

Sandra was a woman never short on opinions, things to say and talk about and most importantly care and love for her family. She knew what she wanted, had her usual routines and enjoyed those moments each and every day. Enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of crunchy toast each morning, followed by doing her crosswords, reading the paper, chatting with her loving husband and taking her daily calls to catch up with family like her niece Wendy, her sisters, and of course her own children and grandchildren; and ensuring to get her husband Garry riled up about something for a laugh.

Sandra enjoyed visiting her closest friends Mimi and Gord McCarthy, taking road trips with her husband, heading to the casino from time to time where she visited with her friends for breakfast and chats; and if she was lucky would win a few jackpots along the way.

Out of all that Sandra enjoyed, there were two things that stood out the most; her interest in her family history and sharing stories from all facets of her family and life, but most of all, the adoration she held for her family. Where the proof would be in her ever present nature at all major events in her families lives. Even when having long conversations about the small post war camp she grew up in along the waterfront near the exhibition in Toronto, sharing a two bedroom barracks with other families and the six people in her own at the time, to the moments of her first meeting with her husband Garry who was hopping on the same streetcar each morning to get to talk to her on the way to work (in a direction he didn’t need to go) – all the way to her final weeks talking about the latest news of her great-grandchildren; Sandra always focused on the people of the stories. The family that crafted those stories.

Very late into her life Sandra faced a diagnosis of lung cancer, and even in the face of the hardest news to receive, she made a choice because she knew what she wanted. She told those around her she loved them, acknowledged her blessings of her family that cared and continue to care so deeply for her; and finally, ensured everyone knew she was ready for the next chapter of whatever existence is. She is now at rest and back reunited with her family once lost and know rediscovered.

If there is one final lasting lesson that can be taken from Sandra in an attempt to better the world around her from the way it was found, it would be to speak your mind, don’t be afraid to say something if it’s important to you, and always focus on the most important part of your stories; the people that help create them.

There will be no formal arrangements as per the request of Sandra, however if there is a wish to make a gift in her honour, the family asks that you hug the ones you love, tell them you love them and make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in her name.