Sandra “Sandie” Marie (Sanson) Gatt was born on May 25, 1950, in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 30, 2023, with her loving husband by her side. Sandie was only 73 years of age. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 52 years, George Gatt.
Sandie is survived by her loving husband George Gatt, her children Fraser Gatt (Molly), Brett Gatt (Janette), Nigel Gatt (Shanna), Brianna Duxbury (Justin), and Robyn Gatt, her grandchildren Olivia, Noah, Isaac, Taite, Mason, Hunter, Rayna, Faith, Wyatt, Weston, Emmett, Sawyer, and Adelyn, her great-granddaughter Ella, her brother Barry, her sister Darlene, and former daughter-in-law Rebecca Hulet Gatt. Predeceased by her mother Cora Sanson, her father Oswald Sanson, and her brothers Wayne, and David Sanson.
Sandie earned her degree in Arts at the University of Western Ontario. She worked at the UWO Lab Preschool for over 32 years, where she touched the lives of many families and brought joy to the children she taught. She was kind, caring, and thoughtful to everyone in her life. She always liked to joke around, even in her final days, she kept the witty comments going to make others laugh.
She enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. Her second home was in Florida at Sunnygrove Park. Her time there was her “adult time”. She loved all the wonderful friends she met during her adventures at Sunnygrove Park.
Words cannot express how greatly she will be missed by young and old as she touched so many people’s hearts with her humour, kindness, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and wisdom. We love you, Sandie.
A celebration of Sandie’s life will be held at the Lucan Legion, 136 Market Street, LUCAN on Saturday, May 25th from 1:30 – 4:30 PM. A reminder will be sent out closer to the date. Inquires can be made to George Gatt (georgegatt@aol.com).
Sandie was a strong fighter, and she is now at peace and free from pain. We thank everyone at Parkwood who helped support Sandie in her final days and we thank all our friends and family for their kind words and support.
She will be forever missed and until we meet again, you will always be in our hearts and memories.
Donations in Sandie’s memory may be made to the London Children’s Museum (New Children’s Museum) and would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jennifer Wilson says
Brianna and family,
We are very sorry for your loss, a wonderful mother to you and a doting Grandmother to your children. I always remember you being able to load all 4 of your kids to go for a swim on any hot day usually dinner thrown in too. So lucky to have your parents and their help. She was a great support for you and will be missed by many.
Thinking of you, The Wilson family
Lila, Stephen, Althea and Lori says
As we will soon gather to honour the memory of Sandie, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. Sandie’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication touched the hearts of many, especially Althea and Lori, but also all the children whose lives she enriched as a beloved kindergarten teacher.
Sandie’s gentle spirit and genuine love for her students shone brightly in everything she did. Her nurturing guidance helped shape the futures of countless young minds, instilling in them a love for learning and a sense of wonder about the world around them. Althea and Lori, in particular, were fortunate to have experienced her nurturing care and guidance during their formative years, undoubtedly leaving a lasting imprint on their lives.
Beyond her role as an educator, Sandie was a cherished family friend, offering support, laughter, and companionship to those fortunate enough to know her. Her presence brought joy, wisdom, compassion, but also smiles and a twinkle of mischief – she always encouraged kids to “colour outside the lines,” and “think outside the box,” while at the same time repeating over and over that they should treat everyone with “kindness and respect.”
Though Sandie may no longer be with us in the physical sense, her spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear and the lives she touched so deeply. May we find solace in the knowledge that her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving Sandie. May we find strength and comfort in each other during this time of mourning, and may the cherished memories we shared bring peace in the days ahead.
Dawn and Franco Paron says
We are saddened to hear of Sandie’s passing. We always enjoyed our field side conversations throughout countless years of soccer, and running into her here and there. We send our warmest sympathies to your whole Family.
Dawn and Franco Paron says
We are saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. We always enjoyed our field side conversations throughout countless years of soccer, and running into her here and there. We send our warmest sympathies to your whole family.
Sincerely, Dawn and Franco Paron.
Jean and Lawrence Testa says
Dear George it has been a long while since we have spoken but in moments like this know that our prayers are with you. May Sandie rest in peace.
Best regards
Jean and Lawrence Testa
Cathy and Bruce Cornish says
George, Robyn and family
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Sandie. She was always so friendly and always had time for a chat. Sandie was such a soft spoken woman and so happy. Please except our condolences in this difficult time.
Thinking of you all.
Cindy White says
George and family,
I am very sorry to hear that you lost Sandie. I used to love talking to her when she called the pharmacy. I know life won’t be the same for all of you but she is at peace. Comfort each other and share your memories together.
Cindy White
Brenda and Barry Mason says
Forever loved and will be truly missed.
Love Barry and Brenda
Joe & Catherine Kendrick says
George, Joe and I will be keeping you and your family in our prays. We are saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing and how the world has lost a very kind and loving soul. ❤️
Rich Lutman says
My sincerest condolences to Brett and to the family. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Amy Doerr says
So very sorry about your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sandie was always so friendly and chatty when I would run into her! Hugs and prayers sent.
Amy Doerr (Sullivan) and family.
Joan & Dave Goddard says
Deepest Sympathy to George and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Alyssa Arnold says
To Uncle George & cousins Fraser, Brett, Nigel, Brianna & Robyn, I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Sandie (Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt & Friend). I don’t have any words of wisdom, other than to hold one another tight & always remember all the beautiful memories. I know I’ll never forget all the Gatt special dinners & times at Grandma Pink’s home. Aunt Sandie truly had a heart of gold & she will be deeply missed. I’m sure she was greeted by her parents, brothers & my Dad at the heavenly gates. Sending you all big hugs xoxo
Cherrisse Benwell Hearty says
Sorry to hear about your loss
Joanne and Ron Rivet says
Dearest George and Family. Our deepest condolences on Sandie’s passing. Gone too soon! She will be forever missed indeed.
Valeria Rouleau says
Hoping you and your family have many great memories stored for the days ahead….our condolences. Alain and Valeria
Darlene Tambroro says
George and family, Pat and I send our sincere condolences for your loss. Sandie was a wonderful person, always ready with her quick smile, she will be missed by many!
Darlene and Pat Tambroro
Ferd and Reta Gatt says
Sorry for your loss George and family. Know we are thinking about you in your time of grief. God bless Sandy.
Darlene Tambroro says
George and family, Pat and I send sincere condolences, we will always remember her quick smile and joy of life.
Pat and Darlene Tambroro
Jillian Holmes says
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. We met through the Lab school when she taught Evan and Max, then our relationship evolved through tutoring, scrapbooking and eventually friends. While we lost touch due to my own personal challenges, she was thought of often. Whether it was the special preschool felt ornaments we hang on our tree every year for the past two decades, the unique gifts that nest in corners of my home, or the the many photos and memories I hold dear, she’s not far from thoughts that always bring smiles. Her humour (man was she funny), creativity, and genuine love for children made a lasting impact. May her joyful spirit live on in the memories she created with each family she touched. Thank you to her family for sharing this beautiful woman’s heart for so many years.
JoAnn Snellenberger says
George I’ve stayed in touch n close contact with Larry! I can’t speak for Larry but as I read obituary I couldn’t stop crying as Sandi was truly a beautiful/ living caring/ an true friend! I will miss her so mych an thank God for her n I’s friendship! SUNNY GROVE WILL MISS HER N WON’T br the same with out her!
God Bless you n maybe see you soon!
Love you two!
Diana Lethbridge says
Our deepest condolences to George and family.
Sandy was a gentle soul and will be missed by many.
Sincerely, Diana & Gord Lethbridge
Sally Herriman says
George we are so sorry to hear of Sandie’s passing.
Sally and Sherwood
Karla and Pete Lyon says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Terry Webb says
We are so sorry for your loss, George!! Our deepest condolences to you and your family!! We are devastated!! We loved her so much! Words cannot express how much Sandie meant to everyone! Everyone loved her!!
Yvonne Jones-Lyon says
I am very sorry for your loss.
May she now be at peace.
Brenda Smith says
George and Robin and family
Sorry for your loss she was a lovely lady
Always keep the good times close to your hearts
Hug from the Smith family
Kati says
Our deepest sympathies to you Brianna and family.
Sandie was such a beautiful person, so kind and thoughtful. Sandies’s consideration for care of children and persons she loved has taught me so much.
Marianne Fraser says
My sincere sympathy Brianna and Justin. I know her love for you will stay with you. Cherish the memories. 🩷🩷
McAlpine family says
Our thoughts are with you during this hard time. It’s painful, but heaven gained an angel to look after your family ❤️ We love you all. You’re in our prayers and our hearts.