Sandra (Sandi) Drodge

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra (Sandi) Drodge, 83 years young, beloved wife and cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who passed away peacefully at Andy’s House in Port Carling on February 1, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Sandra leaves behind her devoted husband and best friend, Lloyd, as well as three loving daughters: Tracy Reid (Rob), Karen Drodge and Hayley Giles (Chris); six grandchildren: Mikaila Saab, Brianna Reid, Delaney Reid, Grayden Giles, Mason Giles and Devin Giles; and three great-grandchildren: Harlowe Saab, Princeton Saab and Hayes Fletcher. Sandra is survived in England by her sisters, Celia Lynch and June Marshall (David), and she is predeceased by her parents, Elisia and Arthur Morris, sisters Joyce Hilton and Jean Whyatt, and brothers Roy and Rodney Morris. Sandra also leaves behind many nieces and nephews in England. Also mourning her loss in Canada are her brother-in-law Randy Vardy (Barb) and sisters-in-law; Julie Eaton (Frasier), Jeanette Martin, Kelly Snook (Maurice), Jackie Knee (David) and Tracy D’Arpino (John).

Sandra was born in Whitefield, England, on January 30, 1940, where she lived until 1965. Originally settling in Mississauga after immigrating to Canada, residing there for the next 35 years, Sandra and Lloyd eventually retired to Muskoka in 2004. In spite of being in Canada for close to 60 years, Sandra never lost her trademark British accent or her tongue-in-cheek British humour, especially in the face of adversity. She loved her family fiercely. Her husband, children and grandchildren were the centre of her world, and she never turned down a chance to spend time with them or cheer them on, whether it was a holiday dinner, a graduation, a dance recital or a family trip.

Sandra reinvented herself many times throughout her life, as reflected in the range of careers she held. From seamstress to switchboard operator, followed by work in police intelligence as a civilian monitor, Sandra eventually became an award-winning Real Estate Agent, ending her career in car sales, alongside her husband, Lloyd. Sandra’s natural curiosity and constant quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree in her 40s, adding to her list of educational qualifications. Sandra’s compassionate and non-judgmental nature guided her into what would become a lifetime of community work. She was a passionate advocate for vulnerable women and children, volunteering with both Distress Line and Children’s Aid Society in Mississauga. In retirement, she volunteered at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge.

Sandra had many passions, especially in the Arts. Her artistic vision that began in childhood, designing and making her own clothes, continued into adulthood, from running her own freelance clothing design business for a number of years to knitting clothing for her grandchildren in later years. She loved music, always singing around the house, and later joining the Sweet Adelines, an international barbershop harmony choir, as well as singing in several local choirs throughout the years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, an international organization that encourages women to get the most joy out of life. Sandra embraced a healthy lifestyle, especially as she got older. Whether she was doing aerobics classes at the gym or golfing outside, she loved to stay fit.

Of all Sandra’s passions, however, the biggest by far was travel. She was fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel Canada from coast to coast, as well as travel to many exotic destinations on four continents with her husband, Lloyd, or with her children and grandchildren. Sadly, dual diagnoses of Vascular Dementia and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus three years ago put an end to Sandra’s travel dreams. Just as with the rest of her life, Sandra demonstrated great dignity, determination and bravery throughout these complex medical challenges, while being cared for at home in Muskoka by her loving husband, Lloyd, and her dedicated medical team, including the many PSWs, nurses and other support staff who shared time with her over the past few years.

Sandra made her final journey to heaven with her husband, Lloyd, holding her hand, as her favourite song, The Way We Were (Memories), by her all-time favourite singer, Barbra Streisand, was playing in the background. As per Sandra’s wishes, cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in Bracebridge in the spring (further details to be provided). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Sandra’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. https://alzheimer.ca/muskoka/en

Fly with the angels, Lovey.

You are engraved in our hearts and the time we shared together will be cherished forever and ever.