Sandra Mary Sneddon

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our sister Sandy Sneddon. She passed peacefully on Sunday September 10, 2023 in the Nanaimo hospital’s palliative care unit. 

Sandy was the eldest daughter of Roy and June Sneddon who predeceased her.  She is survived by her three sisters, Gail Meier, (Steve), Nancy Andersen, (Jens), Shirley Clements, (Don).   She will be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews who always found joy, laughter and sometimes words of wisdom in her company.  

Sandy was a dog enthusiast.  She began raising German shepherds, then transitioned to her gorgeous golden retriever, Blaze.  Finally her passion for show dogs led to her love of the Bichon Frise.  She had great success as a breeder and most of her puppies became grand champions.  Her most prized dog, Hunter, travelled the USA and Canada and he won both American and Canadian Grand Championships.  

Sandy started her career with Arodal fifty years ago this year.  She started her job as the bookkeeper and head secretary.  She moved from the Vancouver office to the Toronto branch and worked there for over thirty years.  Her last position was the Chief Financial Officer of Arodal International.  She loved her job and it was a major part of her life.  

Sandy loved life.  She fought the battle of kidney disease for over ten years.  No one fought harder to live than our sister.   She had an amazing sense of humour and an infectious smile.  She kept her friends for a lifetime.   She had friends all over the USA and Canada. She  always stayed in touch with her best friends and spoke nightly to Lola and Ninna.  

Sandy with her partner, Al, travelled throughout the globe.   They travelled extensively through the Mediterranean,  the Canary Islands, and all over the USA.  We think her most cherished memories was at Blue Fields in Jamaica.  Sandy and Al always brought a party along with them including her mom and dad, her sisters, brothers-in-law and her special cousins Pat and Gerry. Her final trip this past August was with her sister Shirley, to visit her dear friend Ninna in Seattle.  Ninna gave the greatest gift of all, a visit with her five Bichons.  My sister was so happy.

She had a very strong personality.  One of her dear friends, Tanya, said it best, she was brutal, honest and loving all rolled into one.   Everyone who has spoken of her has said what a wonderful conversationist she was.  And they all said how much they will miss her.

No one will miss her more than her sisters.  We may not have had any brothers but her three brothers-in-law were always there when she needed a hand.  Her nieces, nephews and friends helped out in many ways to help her transition to Berwick last year.   She made many new friends there and loved her poker and euchre games.

A celebration of her life will be held next summer at the Rotary Beach Park.  She always loved the beach.   Our family enjoyed so many beach parties from Birch Bay, Washington to Qualicum Beach.  The fun times we had will last a lifetime as will the love in our family.

An announcement of the date will be posted on Facebook.

We want to thank the kind and supportive doctors, nurses and house keeping staff of the Nanaimo Renal unit and the palliative care.   Everyday a group of nurses came to give their love to Sandy and tell her how much they would miss her.  She was part of their family for nine years.   We appreciate so much the love and support in her final days.