Sandy Johnson
1939 – 2023

Sandra Joan Johnson passed away at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 after complications from lung cancer, at the age of 83.

Sandy is survived by her husband Terry of 61 years, her children Susan Davidson (Carlos), Michael (Sandra) and Samantha Woitzik (Greg), and grandchildren Matt, Ben, Alex, and Nathan.

Sandy was born in Niagara Falls, moved to the Abitibi Canyon with her parents and eventually to Scarborough where she attended U of T and graduated as a Physio/Occupational Therapist. Sandy met Terry at a POTS dance in 1959 and they were married in November 1961 prior to moving to Rugby England where Sandy worked as a physiotherapist at St. Cross Hospital. Sandy and Terry travelled all over Europe on their holidays for two years and moved back to Toronto in December 1963. Their three children were born in Toronto in 1966, 1970 and 1972.

Sandy worked as a physiotherapist at a private clinic for 10 years until the family moved to Harrisburg Pennsylvania where they took part in the celebrations for the US bicentennial in 1976. Terry’s job then took them to Glasgow, Scotland where they lived in the suburb of Lenzie, Kirkintilock. The family travelled around the UK and to France and Portugal.

In 1980 their friend Bob Bach told them of a bankrupt marina for sale on Lake Joseph, Muskoka. Terry flew over to check it out and in a telephone call Sandy’s advice was “if you think we should buy it, buy it.” Sandy immediately took a bookkeeping course so she could look after the financial responsibilities for the marina. After three years she hired a replacement and returned to her first love of physiotherapy at the Parry Sound Hospital. Eventually Sandy took courses to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist working with children for Home Care.

The marina dictated that holidays had to be taken in the winter – because of this, Sandy and Terry got hooked on sailing in the Caribbean thanks to John and Ruth Shipman from Sound Boat Works. They sailed for 30 years with Sandy, first mate looking after everything but the boat rental and the flights.
After living at Hamer Bay Marine for 40 years, Sandy had become a pillar of the community with a host of close friends in MacTier and Parry Sound. With affection, she will be sadly missed.

A Celebration of Sandy’s Life will be held at Tailwinds Restaurant (11A Bay Street, Parry Sound) on Saturday, May 13th between 12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. All friends are invited to attend.

As expressions of sympathy, donations in Sandy’s memory may be made to the Northern Cancer Foundation or the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation.

Condolences

We knew Sandra well. she was a dear soul. our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry and Family.

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to all. Sandy was our physio therapist for our Special Needs daughter Tara for a few years. She was truly an amazing special woman. We all loved her. She had such an impact on all of us!!She was a great friend as well!! Hugs to all!!

My condolences to Susan and the family.

Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Terry, and your entire family.

Terry, from the time you met Sandy, you were a couple, and your life with her has been an adventure. I was honoured to be your best man.
As your children arrived, the adventure changed and grew, in a wonderful, new way.
I have been very pleased and honoured to be part of that adventure, as has my wife, Dana, from the time you and Sandy stood up with us at our wedding until now, and into the future,. Our children joined in this adventure as they came along.
Sandy's leaving has changed this, but your family, our family, and your many friends, will be here to work to fill this void over time.
Stay safe and well, my dear friend. I look forward to us spending more time together. Bob (Harry)

We are so sorry for your loss. What an amazing life she lived, with her Family and Community. I always felt so supported by her, even though we worked together for only a couple of events. We send our love and support Sue and Steph

Our deepest sympathy Terry and to your family.

Michelle, David and Thomas

Terry, Mike, Susan, and Sam as well as extended family. Very sad to hear the news of Sandy's passing. My condolences to all.

Peter Holtby

Terry and family please accept our deepest condolences. Sandy was our first born daughters Pediatric Occupational Therapist. As new parents with a tiny newborn, I looked forward to Sandy's weekly visits. Fast forward 25 years and I was able to "meet" Sandy again through SPS. Our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Jill and Wade Perkins

Our deepest sympathy Terry and family. We are so sorry for the sad news about Sandy.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sandy and I extend my condolences to your entire family whom I have known for so many years. My thoughts are with you Terry, and despite not seeing you and Sandy for so long I consider you to be amongst my best and closest friends. Sandy was a wonderful person and I am very sad.

So sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was a wonderful friend, colleague and Bridge player. She will be missed.

SENDING MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO TERRY AND FAMILY SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING WITH HER AT HUMPHREY SCHOOL, AND MY CHILDREN WERE ALL GOOD FRIENDS WITH THEIR KIDS. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL.

I am truly sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing and wish to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of my father (Ron Kozub) and my late mother (Donna Kozub). Our family had the absolute pleasure of living in Scotland with the Johnson family and sharing the summer vacations. Over the years, their friendship continued, and my parents would often visit to the marina. Many good memories for sure.

We are deeply sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry to hear about Sandy's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Terry, Mike, Susan, and Sam and extended family. We are so sorry to hear about Sandy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and treated us both really well. Sincere condolences.

Wayne and Jacqui Daub

Dear Terry and family,
We are sending our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sandy and I worked together over many years and she was always a great source of knowledge, skill, support and kindness. Sandy will be missed also by my Mom who was involved in many years of Lioness and now Lion’s work. Pat was so fond of Sandy and sends her prayers and love. Truly a remarkable woman and friend to so many of us, professionally and personally. Take care. Paula and Pat Purdon.

My deepest sympathy to you Terry and to your family.

My deepest condolences to Terry, Susan, Mike and Sam and the rest of the family.
So saddened by this news and sending love and strength to the whole family.

Deepest condolences to Terry and the entire Johnson family.

Woody and I send our most sincere condolences to Terry and the family on their heartbreaking loss. I always loved bumping into Sandy and catching up with news of the family and her latest exotic travels with Terry. She will be sadly missed and remembered for her subtle humour and huge impact on the lives of so many children.

I feel just like everybody else Terry.
Sad for your loss and hoping youll be alright.
Herb

Terry, I am so very sorry to hear about Sandy. Wow.... I hope you're ok. Too bad since we ARE cousins, that its been too many years. Again, so sorry. You take care of yourself.