Sandra (Sandy) Hale Herrity
Sandra (Sandy) Hale Herrity died on January 22, 2023 in Toronto, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 77 years old and leaves behind her husband of 56 years John (Jack) Herrity, her two daughters Kelly Herrity and Tracy Herrity, her sons-in-law Peter Shapiro and Joe Nowak, her beloved grandson Luke Nowak, and her eight-year-old chi-wow-wow, Chica.
Sandy was born on March 13, 1945 in Huddersfield, England to Phyllis (Orton) Hale. She never met her biological father, who died in the Battle of the Bulge, but was lucky enough to have the most wonderful adoptive father, John Hale, who loved her dearly and always treated her as his very own. Together, they moved to Montreal in 1957 where they joined their boisterous and active extended British family. After many years in Montreal, Sandy and Jack also lived in Ottawa, Barbados, Surrey BC, and Toronto, wintering in Palo Verde, Arizona, and making numerous friends in each place.
Sandy was an introvert who nevertheless lit up any room she entered. She loved to laugh. (A flight of strangers from Montreal to Calgary in 1987 would likely still recognize her laughter while watching the in-flight movie Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, much to the embarrassment of her two teenage daughters.) She especially loved to laugh at herself. She loved the ridiculous (and loved that word). She loved her daughters, hosting dinner parties for friends and family, pitch-perfect whistling, cooking, all non-snake animals but especially Chica and her grandcats and granddogs, Sauvignon Blanc, anything Christmas, all desserts, playing Mahjong, reading and watching murder mysteries, Barbados, Dancing with the Stars, her dear friends (but most especially Sandy, Cathy, Doreen, and the Carols), traveling, speed-walking, painting, and, for a period in the 1980s and 1990s, Rod Stewart. Most of all, she loved her grandson, Luke, who gave her such joy. Sandy was so full of love and shared her love so generously.
Never one comfortable with attention, especially being the center of attention, and fiercely independent until the very end even to the detriment to her own care, she would have shied away from the outpouring of grief at her death. But as much as she loved others, she was deeply loved by so many and will be terribly missed.
There will be no public service, and in lieu of flowers please support an animal in need.
Offer Condolence for the family of Sandra (Sandy) Hale Herrity
Doreen Yerkes
She is the best. I’m so grateful for all the love and memories we shared ❤️
Rachel Gilmore
Kelly and Tracy I am so very sorry that your wonderful mom has passed. I have such fond memories of her beautiful smile and sweet disposition. She also made the best sandwiches ❤️ my heart goes out to your family. Sending love xo Rach
Cathy porter
Sandy was truly a great friend and a wonderful person. She brought joy into so many lives. She was also very generous and fun loving. We met at a party in Barbados when she and Jack lived there. She in her fashion invited us over for a beautiful dinner the next evening even though she hardly knew us. She and Jack knew how to entertain and make everyone welcome better than anyone I’ve ever known. I was very lucky to have her as a friend.
Shawna Goodman
Dearest Kelly and Tracy
I am so deeply sorry to hear this news about your beautiful mom. I have such vivid memories of her smiling and laughing in your home in Montreal. How I loved celebrating Christmas with you and she always made me feel so welcomed. We even had the chance to be together in Barbados!! My heart breaks for you. May her memory be a blessing. Love shawna
Christina Ott
Dear Tracy, Kelly and families, my heart goes out to you all in this difficult time. I both cried and laughed at the retelling of her story above. I never actually met your mom but knowing what amazing humans you both are I’m sure she was a very special person xoxox 😢❤️
Serge miron
Ounce again, our deepest condolences to You Jack my long time dear friend, to you Kelly , to you Tracy and to all the members of the family.
Anita and Serge
Colleen Herrity
I will continue to lovingly think of Sandy each and every time I use a serviette 😊
LN
Je partage ta peine ma Kelly. Je ne connaissais pas ta maman, mais à lire l’histoire de sa vie, elle devait être une personne magnifique, qui avait vécu 1000 vies. Toutes mes condoléances à toi et à toute ta famille. Big hugs. Hélène.
Andrea Kupetz
Sandy was a gem and always made one feel so welcome in her presence. I feel so fortunate to have known and enjoyed her on her visits with her vermont family. I embrace your sorrow and your loss of such a lovely lady . Sending loving thoughts to her beautiful daughters Kelly and Tracy and her beloved husband Jack
Raymond Keroack
Charlotte joins me in extending our deepest sympathies to you Jack and to your family.
Ray Keroack
Shelley Barton & Alan Desnoyers
Dear Jack, Kelly and Tracy,
Our sincere condolences to all of you on Sandy’s passing. Although it has been years, we certainly remember her smile and how she lit up the room.
Shelley and Alan
Bob Charbonneau
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Have known your mom and dad for some 50 years.
Sandy is at peace and I hope Jack is ok and can continue going forward as best possible.
Very sad and will always have both in my thoughts.
Bob
Troy
Tracy, please accept my deepest sympathies. Love and blessings sent.
Sonny Davis
Dear Jack, Tracy and Kelly. Sending love and hugs. Sandy was such a special lady. Wishing you peace as you move forward without her.
Love,
Sonny
Heather Reich
Dear Herrity Family,
Sending hugs, and condolences on your great loss. You could not have been better caregivers and advocates. I hope your fond memories offer some comfort.
Heather
Darlene White
Jack, Tracy & Kelly,
I am shocked and devastated to learn of our exuberant and joyful Sandy passing. We’ll be missing her joie de vivre, but it will be my fondest memory of her.
I am so, so sorry. My condokencs to all .
Darlene P White
Linda Whyte
As former neighbours of Jack and Sandy, we extend our deepest condolences to all the Herrity family in the loss of their dear Sandy.
We always enjoyed meeting and chatting with Sandy when she was out walking their beloved Chica and remember fondly that delightful smile.
May she rest in Peace.
Tom and Linda Whyte