In Memory of Sandra (Sandy) Bouzane (née Hollett)
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 2000 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.
Jen and family. I did not know your mother but knowing you I’m sure she was a great lady and will be so missed. This saddens me. Please know we are thinking of you all during these difficult times. i loved the obituary, it shows how much she was loved and how great of a lady she is. May she Rest In Peace
Dear Lori and family I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I can only hope the many happier times and memories you all share will help you at this difficult time. Lori your mom was a special lady she has earned her angels wings and eternal rest.
Love to you all in friendship.
We are so sad and sorry to hear of the passing of Sandy – such a lovely lady. We will remember and cherish the time spent with her at gatherings at Snowbird Summer Haven Resort where she was always full of stories and laughs. She will be missed by all. Our thoughts and condolence to Walter and the family.
Beautiful words to remember❤️ Love you all. Hugs!🙏
I met Sandy and Walter at snowbird summer heaven r,v park what a delight she was so friendly and laughing all the time she really made me feel welcomed and important I will always remember her walking by everyday with Walter {:Wally} may you rest in peace
So very sorry, Walter, Jennifer, Lori and families for your tremendous loss. A beautifully written tribute which certainly speaks to the qualities I’ll always remember Sandy for. We had many chats and always kept in touch with each other’s “news”. Both Sandy and Walter were such supports to me over the years when mom was sick… I’ll always remember Sandy’s kindness during that time. Myself and Leo always enjoyed our visits whether it was to your cabin, GFW home, Ottawa home or years ago our visit to your home in England (when we went horseback riding…:) Many wonderful memories to cherish most certainly for us.
Please know that myself and Leo are thinking about you all and are sending our love and prayers for the days ahead.
Ellen
Xxoo
Dear Lori and family, I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved mum. Sending you love after all these years. Jane
Elizabeth( Liz)
So sorry to hear of your sisters passing. condolences to the family.
Walter, Jenn, and Lori—I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky to meet Sandy a few times through Walter and Jenn. I have always been struck by the quietly kind and caring Bouzane clan, and know you are finding strength and comfort in each other at this very, very sad time. My sincere condolences, friends.
To Walter and all the family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful Sandy. Such a sweet and kind lady.
So saddened to read this today, I worked with Sandy at Scotiabank, & also knew her from our life as military wives…she was one of the sweetest ever, always pleasant. My sincere condolences to Wally & family, cherish your beautiful memories💔
So sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was always full of energy and joy. Enjoyed our times at Snowbird Summer Resort. My condolences to Walter and family.
Jamie and I offer our heart-filled condolences to the family. Sandy was a wonderful, kind soul who made an impression on everyone she met—sending love during this difficult time.
Walter and family,
Dan and I are saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was a wonderful person and fellow camper. Our condolences to you all during this very difficult time.
I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with “my twin”, Wally and the girls. Being with you all was being with family. So happy you all came into our lives. Love to you all.
Jen and family. I only was only in the company of your mom a few times, I did come away each time thinking she was a special person. I was very sad to hear of her passing
My condolences go out to your family.
Joyce and Bryce
To Walter and family:
Walter, We are so saddened for the loss of your love Sandi. This life on earth is only a short time in compared to eternity. Sandi will be waiting for you with open arms as I’m sure her hardest moment was to leave you..her love and best friend. Your love radiated as you walked along life together. Your sadness is felt by all who were fortunate enough to be amongst the both of you.
Her spirit and smile and of course that East Coast generosity will never be forgotten. We should all raise a glass and cheer like Sandi did do well.
Draw your strength from those that love you both and know her smile is shining amongst the stars!
Anne Marie & Gilles
We were both very sad when we heard of Sandy’s passing. We shared some really good times, darts, horseshoes and boat rides. One of the most memorable was the Friday night fish & chips at the golf course. A great way to start the weekend. I will treasure all those memories. We are thinking of you Walter and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Joanne & Ken
We are saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was a wonderful person. So happy and friendly with a kind word for everyone. We knew her and Walter from Snowbird Summer Haven. Thoughts are with you Walter. Hold your memories close.
My deepest condolences to Wally, Lori, Jennifer and family. May the memories of Sandy be a comfort for you.
Sandy and I worked together at the Cs Coop along with Lorraine Potvin, On many occasions the three of us would meet for lunch even after we had all left working at the Cs Coop. For me these times will remain precious memories of Sandy.
Rest In Peace Dear Sandy.
Truly touched by this tribute. Pre covid I remember Sandy coming to the office for a business transaction with always a smile and a story and a shared love of her grand kids.
May she rest peacefully and know how special she was to those in her life.
‘Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel’
-James Taylor-
Wally, Jen, Lori and family.
Hugs, thoughts and sincere condolences to all of you through your grief.
Darren and Dawn Findlay
Our sincere condolences to you Walter and your family. Sandra was a real lady. Always ready to listen to our stories with no judgment. She will be missed. May she rest in peace!
My deepest condolences to Wally,Lori and Jennifer. Lori I did not know mum but knowing you tells it all about her. Mummy rest with the Angels.
We are so very sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. We always enjoyed time shared with Sandy and Walter at Snowbird. Cocktails and campfires among the many memories. She always had such pride talking about the girls and the grandchildren. Condolences to Walter and the entire family. we’re thinking of you during this sad time.
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will always remember her smile.
I didn’t meet Sandy. But what I read about her move me to tears. She was a good mother to have raised a kindhearted woman like Lori.
May God comfort the family she left behind.
Rest in Peace, Sandy!
Dear Wally, Jennifer, Lori and families;
Trudy and I are very sad to read the news of Sandy’s death. Sandy was a wonderful person, full of charm and compassion. Our love and condolences to all of you. Love, Trudy and Dan
I never met Sandy ,But from all the speeches and things Lori said about her mum and the commitment of Lori towards the well being of her mum while she was alive shows that Sandy was a caring and dutiful mother who brought her children up in a Godly way and with much care..God will comfort the family left behind especially the husband and children in this trying times.Eternal rest for sandy.Amen
To Wally, Lori, Jennifer, Family Members & Friends,
The members of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio (SUPRAD) System Oldtimers Association were saddened by the news of Sandy’s passing. During your family’s tours of duty in Florida, Gander, Inuvik, Ottawa and other military station, Sandy became known as a devoted and loving friend. She was a welcoming and caring Newfoundlander (right to the core) and her pleasant nature made a lasting impression with everyone she met. All those who experienced the privilege of serving with Sandy, and the Bouzane Family, will forever cherish the wonderful memories of all the enjoyable times that were shared. Please know that as members of your extended military family, we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
‘Friends Forever’
Walter and Jenn, like some who are sending you love and support, we were not so fortunate as to have met and known Sandy. Through your lovely words of tribute and having witnessed how graciously you conduct yourselves, we see reflections of what Sandy must have been like and the constant, caring influence of her presence in your lives.
Our hearts break for you and we are glad your family was blessed by someone so worthy of tribute and loving remembrance. As per your wishes, we are sharing many extra hugs with our loved ones in Sandy’s honour.
Wally, Lori .Jennifer and family.
We send you our love and compassion during this most difficult time. We wish you strength and unity and to know that your extended family is mourning the loss of a wonderful lady, wife , mother and grandmother. Our memories will always be the good times we spent together, and there was never enough of those.
Love.
Alex (#4) & Linda,
Dear Walter, I am sorry to hear the passing of Sandy. I was their neighbor on Luesby, ps both newfies too. Always happy to chat with her. My sincere condolences to you and your family. God bless.