Obituary of Alexandra Margaret McLauchlan
ALEXANDRA (SANDY) MARGARET McLAUCHLAN
April 27, 1945 – August 20 2021
As she lived her life, Sandy, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, in her own way and in her own time quietly and peacefully left us on the evening of Friday, August 20th.
She was born and spent her early childhood in Paisley, Scotland, before landing in Canada aged eight and growing up in Toronto into the vibrant, gracious and elegant woman she became. Starting her education at Danesbury Public School in North York, then graduating from Bathurst Heights Collegiate, she went on to earn her teaching degree and spent her entire career in Toronto with the Toronto District School Board. Perhaps her greatest joy during that period was her time as a special ESL educator for many of the children of those refugees, known as ‘boat people’, who arrived in this country following the Viet Nam conflict. Even today, many of her former students remember her with great fondness. Closer to home, she drew similar happiness and great comfort from spending Christmas with family and friends at her brother’s home.
As well as her passion for tennis, which she played competitively at club level, she also enjoyed travel and did so extensively during her career and following her retirement from teaching. Everything she did, Sandy did with vigour and thoroughness. Known for her sense of humour and quick wit, she was also fiercely independent. She looked for the best in others and gave the best she had. She’d sink her teeth into things and wouldn’t let go, often on behalf of others unable to speak for themselves. Sandy will be remembered for her kindness and compassion, quiet courage, strength of spirit and an engaging personality that will be carried forward by those who knew her and loved her.
Predeceased by her mother, Margaret (Peggy), and father, William, older siblings Ian, Rosemary and Calvin, Sandy is survived and very much missed by brothers William and Murray (Denise Donlon), nephew Duncan McLauchlan, nephew Colin Hunter and his wife Emily, niece Anne Bettonvil (Hunter) and husband Andy and their children Avery and Braydon.
A heartfelt, special thank you to Michele Williams who helped make Sandy’s daily life sustainable and satisfying in every way possible, and to the staff at Revera Leaside, Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Michael Garron Hospital for their kindness and support.
The family will receive friends at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) for a private visitation on Monday, August 30th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The family requests that those attending be fully vaccinated. The wearing of masks will be required. Donations to the charity of your choice in her name would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
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