Killam, Sandra (Sandy) Elma (nee Stevens)

May 11, 2022

July 3, 1944 - April 30, 2022

Sandy passed away at Pine Meadow Nursing Home with her husband Lorne holding her hand. She was able to have a final goodbye with her grandchildren, Frank and Kelsey. She reached her hand for them. She knew they were there.

Predeceased by her brother, Frankie, father, Frank, mother, Em and brother, Vic. Sandy has left a loving legacy with her devoted husband, Lorne, daughter, Lorna (Michael), grandson, Frank and granddaughter, Kelsey (Casey).

Born and raised into a loving home in Western Shore, Nova Scotia, she would agree that her life truly began when she moved to Toronto and met the love of her life, Lorne. They married and started their life long journey together. They welcomed a daughter, Lorna, and their family began. They worked hard, loved hard and, laughed hard.

Sandy was most at home in a flour dusted apron. The delicious smells of pies, cakes and cookies were always coming from her kitchen. Her home was open to all. The coffee was made and you’d sit down at the kitchen table to enjoy a good catch up and likely one of her specialties, peanut butter cookies and date squares

She was often caring for the stray and injured, animals and humans alike. Nursing their wounds and spirits. She said in another life she may have been a veterinarian or nurse but, didn’t think she could handle the suffering.

In 1968, she and Lorne purchased a heavily wooded piece of waterfront in East Bay, Buckshot Lake. Water access only. No electricity and no running water. The work was hard but, a labour of love. They cleared the land and began building their cottage and their cottage life.

The slam of the screen door regularly announced a visitor dropping by to share a drink and a good laugh. The cottage was a gathering place for all. Particularly the Buckshot Lake kids. Local wildlife knew they were welcome as well. Raccoons, chipmunks, deer...they all flocked to her completely unafraid.

Her life was full. Or so she thought. The arrival of her grandchildren, Frank and Kelsey, brought with it a joy she could never have imagined. Her eyes never shined as brightly as they did when she was with them.

In 1999, she and Lorne made Buckshot Lake their permanent home. However, the ensuing years brought with them health challenges that could no longer be managed at home and she became a resident of Pine Meadow Nursing Home.

You could set your watch by the regular visits of her husband, Lorne. They’d often be seen going down the street, Lorne pushing the wheelchair, with their dog Lady in tow, on their way to the local diner to enjoy a lunch that was always topped off with her favourite maple walnut ice cream.

Towards the end she spoke of Nova Scotia, the love of her family and the sadness that she would not see her grandchildren continue to build their lives. We have no doubt that she will be there every step of the way.

We are so very grateful to the wonderful family at Pine Meadow. The ongoing support and kindness of the friends and family of Buckshot Lake has always been and continues to be overwhelming.

Many have asked if there’s anything they can do. We say, just keep being you because you’ve been wonderful. Call a friend, have a visit, share a laugh and some maple walnut ice cream. If you wish, a donation to Pine Meadow (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) in her name would be welcomed.