Catherine Sandiford

CATHERINE LAURA SANDIFORD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cathy Sandiford at the Ottawa Heart Institute with her beloved daughter Danielle by her side, hand in hand, listening to Bob Marley.

Predeceased by her parents Marjorie (nee Thornbury) and Leonard Sandiford, and survived by her daughter Danielle Hanley, husband Bernel Hanley and brothers Paul (Leanne Quinn) and Stephen (Violette Pedneault) Sandiford, nieces, nephews  and her extensive world of friends.

Cathy grew up in Toronto and Mississauga and spent many happy holidays and summer weekends in “the country” (Woodville, Ontario) with her large extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles.  She excelled at school and graduated with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Waterloo University and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.  She went on to a successful leadership career in the federal government at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Immigration and Refugee Board and Citizenship and Immigration.  Over the years, her mentoring also helped many young professionals as they began their careers.

Cathy had a passion for people, travel and music.  She fell in love with the sky, sea and people of the Caribbean on board the legendary “Polynesia” schooner, where she also met her future husband Bernel.

Cathy had a great ability to connect with people.  For many years, Cathy was a volunteer and participant in bands for Caribana Toronto.   In Ottawa, she was very active in her community, including helping immigrants and refugees settle in Canada and supporting the work of the Baobab Tree Drum Dance Community, and In from the Cold at Parkdale United Church where she was a special friend to many young children in the arts program.  She was particularly proud of her volunteer contributions to the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

In recent years, Cathy spent many a happy summer evening at the Westboro Beach Café on the shores of the Ottawa River listening and dancing to her favourite Caribbean sounds with friends.  Her departure has left us all greatly diminished.

Visitation will be held on Friday July 23 between 5 – 7 PM at Tubman Funeral Homes, 403 Richmond Road, Ottawa.  Due to the current COVID restrictions, pre-registration to attend the visitation is mandatory and can be done scrolling below or by calling 613-722-6559.   A  private memorial will be held on Saturday July 24 at Parkdale United Church in Ottawa.

Cathy left us due to a rare disease.  She requested no flowers but welcomed charitable donations to the Scleroderma Association of Ontario.  Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.