Just a few weeks after an unexpected diagnosis, Sandy passed away pain-free with her loving family at her side.
The daughter of Harry Joseph Hoseason and Olivia Isobel Fitzsimons, Sandy was the beloved wife for 54 years of Crawford (Chuck) and loving mother of Kirste (Larry Archer) and Wendy (Dan Porter). Fantastic “Sanny” to grandchildren Madeleine Archer, Camille Archer, Ben Porter and Jordan Porter (Alex Mimran). Delighted great "san-mother" to Theo Mimran. Much loved sister of Jocelyn (John Lecluse) and the late Sybil, sisters-in-law Jean (Tom Woolhouse) and Beverley (John Lambert), and adored aunt of Trevor, Jenni, Michael, Brian and Susan and their families. The list would not be complete without mention of dogs Angus and Duchess, whom she loved without reservation.
Sandra was born in North Toronto and her time was spent between the city and her cherished country home in the hills of Mulmur, south of Creemore. A true renaissance woman, Sandy embraced everything she did with passion and flair. Forbidden to get her driver's licence at age 16, she secretly enrolled in lessons at the island airport, getting her pilot's licence instead. Her love of gardening resulted in acres of flowers. An accomplished tailor, milliner, and couture shopper, Sandra was always the most glamorous woman in the room. In recent years, her love of art turned serious, and her paintings hang in homes around Mulmur, as well as embassies and consulates in Tunisia, South Korea and Japan.
Sandy was fiercely competitive, whether in tennis, on the ski hill or, in latter years, on her snowboard. After teaching French for many years and helping to put Chuck through law school, Sandy determined she could do as well in the investment business as any man. She was one of three founding investment advisors when TD Evergreen opened its doors, building a successful practice and ultimately becoming a vice-president of TD Waterhouse.
Sandy was a long time member of Devil’s Glen Country Club, the Mulmur Hills Racquet Club, the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club and the North York Business and Professional Women’s Club.
She and Chuck travelled to more than 60 countries, adding to their wide pool of friends along the way.
In addition to countless animal charities, she supported many causes for the advancement of women and young girls in Canada and abroad. Outgoing and vivacious, Sandy was a wonderful hostess and a loyal friend. Among the dozens who offered support, a special thanks to her childhood friends of 70 years, Gail Farquharson, Judy Matthews, Joan Taylor and Tannis Clarkson who expressed their love on a daily basis.
The family would like to thank the Sunnybrook oncology team, especially Dr. Rena Buckstein for her care and empathy; she proved to be a kindred spirit with whom Sandy could discuss politics, fashion, and skiing. Drs. Li and Nolan and the palliative care team on K1 East gave her wonderful support in her final days.
In accordance with Sandy’s wishes there will be no formal service and cremation has taken place. There will be a visitation at The Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre on Wednesday, November 22 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. followed by a reception in celebration of Sandy’s life, for family and friends, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Sunnybrook Foundation, Odette Cancer Centre or an animal charity of your choice would be much appreciated.