Sandra “Sandy” Fodey
October 4, 1958 - November 28, 2024
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring
Sandra “Sandy” Fodey was an absolute original.
Born October 4, 1958, Sandy came into this world in togetherness and love with her twin sister, Sue. Born 45-minutes before Sue, Sandy began her life-long adventure of blazing trails from a small delivery room in Brockville, Ontario.
Sandy grew up on a dairy farm with a large and loud Irish Catholic family. Her horse, Jasper - a doe-eyed buckskin quarter horse - was her trusted friend growing up. He was an ever-ready and loyal ticket to speed, fun, freedom, and wind in her hair – all things Sandy continued to seek out all her days.
Following in her mom’s footsteps, Sandy studied nursing but was quick to trade a stethoscope for a paint brush and dedicated the rest of her life to visual arts. Sandy was a consummate artist – singularly unique, incredibly talented, and dedicated to connecting with people through her work. Sandy was a healer, the line between the canvas and the divine bridged through her art. Sandy’s paintings were angelically orchestrated to offer connection, assistance, and healing – all things we need now to navigate life without her.
Sandy was a free spirit who marched to the beat of her own drum. She was unapologetically and authentically herself, always. She was reliable in this way. You always knew what you were going to get: a quiet presence, a listening ear, a thousand-watt smile, and a vibrant heart and a mind that left you feeling better for having shared time together.
Sandy cared deeply, loved fiercely, and she loved to laugh. She had a contagious belly laugh - head thrown back, eyes shut, breathless wheezing. She sought out joy at every turn and lived and played with childlike abandon. She loved traveling, meeting new people, good food, good wine, and good friends. She could build and fix anything, and loved designing home projects and watching them come to life, often by her own hands. She loved her wild birds - the blue jays, the cardinals, the orioles, and her favourite – hummingbirds. Sandy would sit for hours watching, photographing, videoing and painting all her backyard birds. She always found the beauty in nature, having an innate ability to turn a fleeting moment into an opportunity to pause and contemplate. Her flowers, her vegetable garden, her favourite trees – she loved them all.
Sandy loved animals, too. Fifteen years ago, she welcomed a wee black pug puppy named Geever into her life, but in truth, it was Geever who chose her. His mission, clear now, was to fill her heart with love and loyalty until her dying day. Good boy, Geever. Good boy. You’ll still feel Mama all around you, you’ve gained a new fairy.
Sandy found her storybook ending when she met Rose Lamb. They fell in love and created a beautiful life and home together in picturesque Vespra Valley – a home that became a sanctuary for all, dedicated to inclusivity, acceptance, hospitality, and love for all those lucky enough to visit for a short time, or a long while. Rosie’s love for Sandy was boundless. It was selfless, generous, and fun. They wrote an enviable love story, one that was meant to last many more chapters before the exacting hand of cancer arrived with other plans – plans we will never know, and always struggle to understand. Life is both beautiful and unfair.
Sandy left this world the way she entered it - in togetherness and love - on November 28th, 2024, after a three-week battle with cancer. Sandy endured great pain but never lost her good-natured ways. Her sense of humour and playfulness evident right to the end. Through a determined yet weakened voice, she sang her family the first line of Van Morrison’s Moondance. That was our Sandy.
One of Sandy’s last remarks was to her emergency room nurse: “I hope you know how beautiful you are.” Sandy was in so much pain, but chose to connect meaningfully with a stranger inviting them to see themselves. That was our Sandy.
Sandy leaves in deep mourning her partner and best friend, Rose Lamb, her soulmate and good boy, Geever, her sweet and gentle boy Ozzie, and her playful and handsome boy, Finny. Sandy is predeceased by her parents, John and Fran Fodey, her father-in-law, Ronald Bowers, and her nieces Laura and Amy Fodey. Sandy’s five siblings are left heartbroken: Terry (Femia), Tom (Linda), Twin Sister Sue, Greg (Faith), and Sarah (Erin). Sandy will be long-remembered by her nieces and nephews, her great nieces and nephews, and a large grieving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sandy’s chosen family is left in deep sorrow: Teresa (T) and Laura, Kat and Linda, Michelle and Judy, Sue and Tony, Wanzy, Tanya, Patty, Fred, and many, many more. There are so many of us that are heartbroken, but we have exchanged Sandy’s pain for ours, and knowing that brings us a measure of comfort.
Sincere thanks to the emergency and cancer teams at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie for their care and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Shamon, Dr. Fejes, Dr Stepita, Dr. Bertram, and Nurses Colleen, Kerry, and Jill for their kindness and personalized care. Team Sandy champions, always.
Fly high, Sandy. You were so loved, and you will be forever missed. You always told us to ask our angels for help; now we will be asking you.
As per Sandy’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life in the spring, when life renews. Sandy’s wish to be buried with a tree will be honoured and planted in Rosie and Sandy’s beautiful backyard in their beloved valley.
Those wishing to honour Sandy’s great life are invited to donate to either the Frances M. Fodey Memorial Award in Nursing (Search for Fodey in the search bar at this link), or the Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund.
The last word is yours, Sandy:
“I love you.” - Rosie
“I love you more.”
Jacqui Hill
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Such a huge loss of larger than life Sandy. She touched everyone with grace, joy and kindness. A light in the world as gone out with her passing but her love and lessons surround her loved ones. Thinking of you all in this time of tragic loss.
Curtis Khan
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024I was deeply saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was truly one of a kind, a vibrant spirit who touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Lucy and I was very fortunate to have meet Sandy and spend time with her. She was very excited to show us creative work she did over the years.
My heart goes out to Rose and her beloved family during this profoundly difficult time. May the love Sandy shared with so many provide comfort as you navigate this immense loss.
Sandy’s beautiful spirit will live on in the countless lives she inspired and the art and love she gave so freely. Please know you are in my thoughts, and I am here for anything you might need.
Vicki Baulk
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Oh Rose, I am so very sorry, my condolences to you. It sounds like you had a beautiful life together, in that I hope you find comfort.
Cathy Greer
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024What a beautiful tribute. My sincere condolences to Sandys family and big hugs to Rose and her best friends. (T and Laura)
Preyana Ramratan
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Our Sincere Condolences to Rosie and the rest of Sandy’s family. We ate thinking of you as you navigate this difficult journey. Sending positive thoughts and lot of love your way.
Your Tansley Woods Family
Renee Hannes
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rose, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Sandy. Please know you’re in my thoughts. I know there are no words that can ease your pain, may their memory be a comfort to you.
Heidi Benard
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rose, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May beautiful memories always comfort you.
Kim Donaldson
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Our sincere condolences to Rose and family. We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved partner. May you find peace in your loving memories -endless love always.
Nancy Webb
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Dear Rose
I am devastated to hear this news. Please know that I am thinking about you and sending all my prayers and thoughts your way. You have always been so supportive of others. Now it is our turnto support you in any way we can.
Nancy Webb
Sheila Parsons
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rose- my heart goes out to you for the loss of Sandy. I know how much she meant to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Heather Bell-Livingstone
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family. Heartfelt condolences go out to you all.
Christy Parsons
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rosie, you and Sandy shared a beautiful life full of love, humour and nature. She is your guardian angel now who will show you the way. Sending big hugs. Xo.
Adelina Oliveira
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024My dear friend Rosie
From the bottom of my heart my deepest condolences, we lost our special angel but you lost more than that and will be very hard for you to heal from it.
My heart and prayers are with you and our Angel Sandy and wherever she is she will love to see you strong and taking care of your fur babies and her favourite place as I always called paradise and magical .
We are here for you always Rosie you are never alone 🙏
Beryl and Craig Collingwood
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rose
There are no words to express our sincere sorrow for your loss.
Sandy was such a kind and gentle soul. We are so glad that we have one of her paintings. We will think of her each time we admire it.
We feel blessed to have known her.
Sending our love to you Rose.
Your friends, Craig and Beryl
Cheryl Quick
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rosie I have never witnessed such a love as yours and a more fulfilling life than both of you had together. I am deeply saddened for your profound loss and am honoured to have been fortunate enough to know you both. Your angel will continue to be your angel. Sending hugs and prayers at the extremely difficult part of your journey.
Jacqui Hill
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Such a tragic loss of amazing Sandy who lived life fearlessly. She was fun, generous of spirit, open and gracious. Truely a kind soul who touched everyone who met her. A light has gone out in the world now. My deepest condolences to Rosie and the whole family, fur babies and friends.
Doris Therriault
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rose, we are so sorry for your loss. Your memories of Sandy, and that contagious laugh, will always be with you. You two had something very special.
Rosemary Coolen
Posted on: Monday, December 2, 2024Rose, I cannot express how sad I was to hear about Sandy’s passing. May the memories of a loving, beautiful life together comfort you. You are in our thoughts.
christine bruder
Posted on: Tuesday, December 3, 2024So sad to hear of this tremendous loss. My thoughts are with you Rose as you journey through this pain. Thinking of you.
Mithra Jacob John
Posted on: Tuesday, December 3, 2024Dear Rose,
I am very sorry to hear the pain you are bearing right now. But trust me, Lord will give you the strength to overcome. Sending positive thoughts on your way. May you find peace in the loving memories.
Cindy English
Posted on: Tuesday, December 3, 2024Rose, I am so sorry for your incredible pain in this profound loss. I pray you find comfort in your many beautiful memories together.
Caroline Meyer
Posted on: Tuesday, December 3, 2024Thank you Rosie for sharing this beautiful remembrance. Sandy shone with such a unique and intense light that will be missed by so many in this world. Sending you love and positive energy in your healing.
Lois Cormack
Posted on: Tuesday, December 3, 2024Rose, I am so very sorry to hear this and send you my deepest condolences.
Jacqui Hill
Posted on: Tuesday, December 3, 2024A light went out in the world with the loss of Sandy. A true shining star who met everyone with humour, kindness and grace and who was unique and original 100%. Sandy was full of life and love and was the perfect balance to Rosie. There will be a huge hole without her for anyones life she touched but filled with loving memories of what a special person she was. Lost way way too soon.
Gord McCallum
Posted on: Wednesday, December 4, 2024Oh Rose, this news is so very sad. Your tribute has taken me on a wonderful journey with Sandy even though never having had the opportunity to share time together with her. I know she will live forever in your heart.
Gord and Paul – the Purple Guys of GEC
Lori Ross
Posted on: Wednesday, December 4, 2024Rose, hearing about your loss has left me deeply saddened. I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling right now. This is an incredibly tough time and know my thoughts are with you.
Kelly Younger
Posted on: Wednesday, December 4, 2024To Rose and family, during this time of grief, may you find solace in the love and memories you shared together. Sandy’s spirit will live onward on in the many lives she touched. From our family to yours, sending healing prayers and comfort during this tough time.
All our love, thoughts, and prayers – Kelly, Evan, Olivia, Alicia and Liam
Veronique Boscart
Posted on: Thursday, December 5, 2024Dear Rose, such sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Hope her beautiful soul and kindness will continue to bring you love in the times to come and in the memories to share. With care and respect, Veronique
Fred Webster
Posted on: Thursday, December 5, 2024Good-bye Sandra. We’ll meet again.
DARCY AND PATRICIA RAHKOLA
Posted on: Thursday, December 5, 2024So very sad to hear of Sandy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rose and the entire Fodey family.
Love,
DARCY and PATRICIA RAHKOLA.
Rhonda Collins
Posted on: Thursday, December 5, 2024Rose, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m so glad you have so many wonderful memories to cherish. Sending all my love and prayers.
Love,
Rhonda
Ali Adam
Posted on: Friday, December 6, 2024I was so deeply saddened to hear about Sandy’s passing. Although I only had the privilege of meeting her twice, those brief encounters left a lasting impression on me. There was something about her warmth, kindness, and the connection I shared that made it feel like we had known each other far longer than we actually had. My thoughts are with Rose & Fodey family <3
Cherie Rahkola
Posted on: Friday, December 6, 2024I have such fond memories of the Rahkola’s visits to the Fodey side of the family in Landsdowne. Fodeyholm Farms was walking distance from our grandparent’s farm and the cousins were always welcomed with open arms. Swimming in a lake the summer and skating on a pond in the winter – life at the farm was so different than what we experienced in the city-even chores were exotic! Time carries us all along on our own paths but when family reunited at weddings, reunions and final farewells it was as if no time had passed at all. Sandy always greeted everyone with a huge smile and a big laugh. I can only imagine your loss. I hope there is some comfort in knowing that Sandy is, and always will be, remembered well!
Jill Wetstein
Posted on: Sunday, December 8, 2024Oh Rosie, how very sad for you I am. Beautiful Sandy could light up a room! Always smiling, cheerful & what a sense of humour! You were such a special couple, a lasting memory for all of us to enjoy. RIP dear Sandy.
Mike Egerter
Posted on: Tuesday, December 10, 2024Such a huge personality! Just an amazing soul! Sadly missed but happily remembered!!!
Barb Sutcliffe
Posted on: Friday, December 13, 2024What a beautiful remembrance written of the love of so many lives. Sandy was taken a way too soon and my heart felt thoughts go out to you Rose. She will be watching over your journey from here on.