It is with much sorrow that we announce the passing of Sandra Elizabeth Desjardins (née Britton) of Hanmer, Ontario, on July 4th, 2023, at the age of 61.
She will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Ken, of 35 years, and their children, Benjamin (Kodie) and Cameron (Jessica). Sandra loved and was immensely proud of her grandchildren Easton, Lainey, Ivy, and Nora. She is survived by her brother Campbell Britton of Barrie, sister Jennifer Palichuk (Edward) of Calgary, along with her niece and nephew, Sarah and Bryce. She was predeceased by her parents Ethleen and Douglas Britton.
Sandra was born on July 24th, 1961 in Scarborough, Ontario and grew up in the Toronto area. As a young child Sandra was very playful and adventurous. She was a bit of risk taker and always loved to try new things. Sandra loved the water and was a good swimmer, quickly obtaining all her certification levels.
During one of the many family camping trips she loved the "rapid sandwich" which entailed 3 air mattresses her dad on the bottom, Sandra in the middle and Jennifer on top, flying down the rapids.
Sandra was also a fiercely protective sister and always had her siblings back. Even at a young age she was tenacious and stubborn. However, her stubbornness was always for a good cause; a stray cat, an abandoned dog, and she didn't give up until she was allowed to keep them. Sandra loved music and sang in the school choir, the church choir and had a leading role in a musical in Grade 8.
As a teenager Sandra began her "helping career" as a camp counsellor. She was well loved by the campers and took great care to ensure the daily programs were interesting and fun for all. Sandra was always a very hard worker and held many part-time jobs throughout high school and university yet still managed to excel academically.
After high school, she traveled across Canada with the Katimavik program and had fond memories of her experiences and of the people she met. She then completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto. In 1987 she met Ken, who she immediately knew was “her one and only” and they married on October 3rd of the same year. While living in Barrie, their two sons were born and quickly became the focus of their lives. Ken and Sandra then made their way to the Sudbury area with their young family where they became an integral part of the community. Sandra enjoyed all aspects of motherhood, becoming involved with her boys’ school, social and sporting events. She was always there to support them or cheer them on and was tremendously proud of the men they grew up to be.
Sandra was very generous with her time and was a board member of the Valley East Soccer Club and the Valley Community Theatre group where she participated as a volunteer and actress. She took any chance she could to challenge herself and have fun. She was devoted to her business, Comfort Keepers, and strove to improve all her clients' quality of life. She truly loved everyone she had the privilege of providing service to, as well as all her employees. Through her business, she also became involved with many local agencies dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of others.
Sandra loved to read (with a good glass of wine), travel, and entertain. She loved her four grandchildren deeply and cherished any opportunity to spend time with them. She was a loyal and dedicated friend, always available to have a cup of tea or lend a helping hand. Very recently, a special letter was found from one of her dear friends, Jane, dated November 7th, 1990. In that letter, Jane wrote “You are a very special, unique and wonderful person, and I am so glad that you are my friend.” This sentiment still rings true for anyone who called Sandra their friend.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped support and care for Sandra over these last few years. A special thank you to Jacques and most recently, Angele, for the love, care, and encouragement they provided.
A burial service will be held on Friday, July 14th, 2023 at 10:30am at the Valley East Cemetery. All are welcome to attend a celebration of Sandra’s life, Saturday July 15th, 2023 at 4130 Mirage Blvd in Hanmer from 1pm – 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandra’s memory to the Alzheimer Society Sudbury at https://alzheimer.ca/sudburymanitoulin/en/take-action/donate would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted with Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services Ltd. Online condolences can be posted at www.RangersSudbury.com.