Sandra Smart

Sandra Smart, beloved stepmother of Shawn and Erin Echlin, loving gran to Griffin and Chase, dearest sister of Rose Smart, and supportive and much-loved aunt of Anna (Jon), Dan (Abby), Kristin (Alex) and Kelly (Mike), slipped away Friday, November 17th. Sandra was predeceased by her devoted soulmate Paul Echlin, her dear parents Shirley and Sandy Smart, and her siblings John, Richard, and Alan Smart.

Having suffered for the past few years from a diminishing quality of life due to COPD, Sandra elected to pursue Medical Assistance in Dying. For many weeks as she has enjoyed the phenomenal support of a palliative care team headed by Dr. Edward Douglas. Everyone should experience such respect and compassion through that hard journey. We are all so grateful.

Born in Vancouver during WWII, Sandra crossed Canada several times before she was one, and spent 4 early childhood years in England before the Smarts settled down in Manor Park, Ottawa. She collected friends at Rideau and Lisgar High Schools before collecting an English degree from Queen’s and Carleton Universities. After teaching high school English, Sandra headed to swinging London for a year of adventure, then returned to take up a long and varied career in communications for the Federal Government. Working for the Science Council, Indian and Northern Affairs and Parks Canada, she built an interesting and rewarding career, loving all that she learned about Canada in the process.

For all that her life was full of interest and affection, the evening over 40 years ago that she met her beloved Paul was the start of the most cherished period of her life. From then onwards they were real partners, a family, with his kids Shawn and Erin. The loss of Paul several years ago was a wound that never healed. Nonetheless she continued to give love and support to all who loved her.