Sandra Grant, January 30, 1942 – April 30, 2026
We’re sad to share that Sandra Gail Grant, aged 84, from Barrie, Ontario passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026. She was a loving wife, mom, grandma, aunt, and friend who will be missed by many.
Sandy came into this world in Toronto on January 30, 1942. Her parents were Albert and Florence Martin. She was the youngest of six kids – all of whom have since passed. She is survived by her husband Ian-they were married for over 61 years-her two sons Kevin and Michael, and three grandchildren: Jordyn (Kevin’s daughter), Timothy and Matthew (Michael’s boys). Sandy also shared close bonds with Michael’s wife Jenn and their daughters Maddy and Cameron as well as Jenn’s big family. Plus she stayed good friends with Joyce, mother of Timothy and Matthew.
Sandy had a lovely natural soprano voice that she used for many years with quite a bit of recognition. She sang in churches, at youth events, on radio shows and TV broadcasts. In Toronto’s Kiwanis Musical Festivals she won several awards. Back in ’69 she made an LP record called “Sandra Sings, How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings” (from Psalm 84) with help from others.
She went to Toronto Bible College during the early ’60s where she met Ian. Over time they kept close friendships with many classmates from those days.
When she was in her late thirties Sandy finished a program at George Brown College that trained her to work with emotionally troubled kids and teens; she did a placement at Blue Hills Academy. After moving from Richmond Hill to Barrie in ’81 she worked with children facing developmental challenges along with their families; also spent a year working for Hincks Treatment Centre helping street youth from Toronto. Later on Sandy spent ten years supporting kids struggling to adjust to school through the Simcoe County Catholic School Board as a Family Support worker. Once retired she volunteered at Hospice Simcoe, the Barrie Women’s and Children’s Crisis Centre, and more recently at Victoria Village Manor.
For nearly twenty years both Sandy and Ian served on the board of the Barrie Concert Association which has been bringing classical music to Barrie since ’46. They’ve been regular supporters ever since moving there.
Sandy sang in choirs too – at Collier Street United Church under organist Jim Leonard where she was their soprano soloist; later in the King Edward Choir then Lyrica Chamber Choir; plus attended Bethel Community Church for many years. One role she loved was directing the children’s choir which she did for six years.
Traveling was something Sandy enjoyed alongside Ian-visiting places like China three times (Ian’s birthplace), Singapore, Australia Ecuador Costa Rica Dominican Republic Cuba Europe plus lots around US & Canada.
The couple had fun camping trips over time – first just with their boys then bringing grandkids along too plus friends joined often. Ian loved canoeing trips while Sandy took part here & there especially with groups like Bent Paddlers.
In her later years arthritis gradually affected Sandy pretty badly making it hard to move or stand straight or even sing like before-and pain was constant sadly by then. In 2021 they sold their house moving into Victoria Village seniors’ residence in Barrie where they found new friends & appreciated staff support greatly.
A service celebrating Sandy’s life will happen Thursday June 4th at eleven o’clock AM inside Legacy Funeral Chapel located at 600-55 Cedar Pointe Drive Barrie (entrance/parking off Hwy400 side). Attendees can share memories if they want during this gathering. Instead of flowers donations can be sent to SOS Children’s Villages Canada or any charity you prefer: https://www. soschildrensvillages. ca/donate/honour-memory
