Obituary for Sandra Bouzane
Sept 1, 1951 – Dec 25, 2023
Strong and optimistic until the end, Sandy passed away peacefully Christmas Day after an incredibly brave battle with cancer. Survived by her best friend and husband Walter (Wally) and adored by her daughters Lori (Cal Lavallee) and Jennifer (Craig Potvin), her kindness and cheeky sense of humor lives on through her grandchildren and pride and joy – Danya, Kyler, Brayden and Avery. Sandy was a loving daughter to the late Mildred and late Arthur Hollett, a supportive sister and friend to the late Dale, late Shirley (late Tom Dwyer), Elizabeth (Herm Hunter) and Bob (Pauline), and a sweet aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Sandy grew up in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and took pride in her Newfie roots. At 16, working at the local grocery store, she met the love of her life – a handsome and shy bag boy who packed her groceries and shared his break time snacks. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1970 and continued their love story for 53 more years. Sandy was the heart and soul of her family – packing up and moving across the country, and the world, many times over to support her husband’s career. She made their home, and many wonderful memories for their family of four in Grand Falls, Florida, Gander, Inuvik, India, and England, eventually settling in Ottawa for the past 30 years.
Sandy found joy wherever she worked and had fond memories from Pascals, Sears, CIBC, Eaglestar, the CS Coop, Scotiabank, and even during retirement as a substitute school administrative assistant. In fact, she made a lasting impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path. Standing in line next to Sandy at the store was more than a polite moment with a stranger – you would be drawn in and charmed by her warm and engaging spirit.
Sandy was a devoted and selfless wife, mother and friend, yet found her true calling as the cherished Nanny to her four beautiful grandchildren. Her eyes lit up whenever she talked about them. She loved chatting with them about their day, their sports, and their plans. They will miss their sweet Nanny, her hugs, her silly stories and her texts full of emojis.
Sandy faced life’s challenges head on, always with an incredibly positive attitude. Overcoming breast cancer in 1999 showcased her strength, and when faced with advanced neuroendocrine cancer this past spring, she approached it with the same tenacity. Participating in a medical trial, she hoped to create more time with her family and help others who would face a similar fate in the future.
Thank you to the compassionate medical professionals who cared for Sandy these past few months, including her trial doctor Dr. Goel and coordinator Saara Ali. Pharmacology nurses Cathy and Liz were bright lights during difficult times, and their smiles and humour made those many hospital visits bearable. The Orleans Palliative Care team’s Dr. Vincent and nurse Linda ensured Sandy spent her last moments surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her home. A treasured gift.
To honour Sandy’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service, and her family will celebrate her life privately. In lieu of flowers or donations, we encourage everyone to spend time with the ones they love in Sandy’s honour.
Strong and optimistic until the end, Sandy passed away peacefully Christmas Day after an incredibly brave battle with cancer. Survived by her best friend and husband Walter (Wally) and adored by her daughters Lori (Cal Lavallee) and Jennifer (Craig Potvin), her kindness and cheeky sense of humor lives on through her grandchildren and pride and joy – Danya, Kyler, Brayden and Avery. Sandy was a loving daughter to the late Mildred and late Arthur Hollett, a supportive sister and friend to the late Dale, late Shirley (late Tom Dwyer), Elizabeth (Herm Hunter) and Bob (Pauline), and a sweet aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Sandy grew up in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and took pride in her Newfie roots. At 16, working at the local grocery store, she met the love of her life – a handsome and shy bag boy who packed her groceries and shared his break time snacks. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1970 and continued their love story for 53 more years. Sandy was the heart and soul of her family – packing up and moving across the country, and the world, many times over to support her husband’s career. She made their home, and many wonderful memories for their family of four in Grand Falls, Florida, Gander, Inuvik, India, and England, eventually settling in Ottawa for the past 30 years.
Sandy found joy wherever she worked and had fond memories from Pascals, Sears, CIBC, Eaglestar, the CS Coop, Scotiabank, and even during retirement as a substitute school administrative assistant. In fact, she made a lasting impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path. Standing in line next to Sandy at the store was more than a polite moment with a stranger – you would be drawn in and charmed by her warm and engaging spirit.
Sandy was a devoted and selfless wife, mother and friend, yet found her true calling as the cherished Nanny to her four beautiful grandchildren. Her eyes lit up whenever she talked about them. She loved chatting with them about their day, their sports, and their plans. They will miss their sweet Nanny, her hugs, her silly stories and her texts full of emojis.
Sandy faced life’s challenges head on, always with an incredibly positive attitude. Overcoming breast cancer in 1999 showcased her strength, and when faced with advanced neuroendocrine cancer this past spring, she approached it with the same tenacity. Participating in a medical trial, she hoped to create more time with her family and help others who would face a similar fate in the future.
Thank you to the compassionate medical professionals who cared for Sandy these past few months, including her trial doctor Dr. Goel and coordinator Saara Ali. Pharmacology nurses Cathy and Liz were bright lights during difficult times, and their smiles and humour made those many hospital visits bearable. The Orleans Palliative Care team’s Dr. Vincent and nurse Linda ensured Sandy spent her last moments surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her home. A treasured gift.
To honour Sandy’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service, and her family will celebrate her life privately. In lieu of flowers or donations, we encourage everyone to spend time with the ones they love in Sandy’s honour.