It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandra Johnson, who left us peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by her family in the palliative care unit at Hôtel-Dieu.
Sandra’s life was rich with love, laughter, and the joy of a large and vibrant family. She was the former wife of Merlin Smith and the devoted mother of ten children: Colleen (Carroll), Rachel (Edward), Laura (Benoît), Nicole (John), Rosily (Dominic), Charles, Merlin (Lisa), Ryan (Candace), Cory (Emmy), and Harley. Her legacy lives on in each of them, in their memories and their lives.
She was a proud grandmother to 24 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 5, with a few more on the way. Sandra’s presence filled every room with warmth, laughter, and often her signature phrase:
“It is what it is.”
A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held for family and friends on July 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Pink House, 71 Ch. Channel, Georgeville. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in remembering her spirit, her stories, and the comfort she brought to those around her.
Sandra will be laid to rest in Marlington Cemetery, alongside her beloved mother, Hilda Wood. (It will be a private burial.)
In gratitude for the compassionate care Sandra received, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Hôtel-Dieu in her memory.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Donations in Sandra’s memory may be made to: Les Auxiliaires bénévoles du CHUS, Palliative Care, 580, Bowen Sud, Sherbrooke, QC, J1G 2E8.