Sandra Mary Agnes Duchene

Sandra Mary Agnes Duchene (nee Phillips) of Oak Bay, passed away on Monday, February 19th at 79 years of age, surrounded by family, after a short battle with cancer.

Sandra was born in Quebec City to Ann (nee Corrigan) and Charles Phillips. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Quebec City and later went on to get her degree in dental hygiene from John Abbott College. Sandra worked as a dental hygienist for many years in Westmount, Montreal, before retiring.

Sandra met William Duchene in Quebec City through mutual friends. They married and had two children, Kerry-Ann and Erin. William passed away in 2010. A few years after Sandra's husband's passing, she made the huge leap to move away from the only place she had ever called home—Quebec and move to Vancouver Island (Oak Bay) to be close to her two daughters and their families. Sandra left behind a large community of friends and family in Montreal and Quebec City. Upon settling in Oak Bay, Sandra quickly made new friends and community, in her building, The Clive, at Monterey playing bridge, at the Oak Bay pool doing aquafit, and at St. Patrick's Church in Oak Bay. Sandra's infectious smile and joy for life, family, and friends will live in our hearts and memories.

Sandra was a beloved mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, Lilly Halladay and Ella and Jack Dompierre, her daughters, Kerry-Ann and Erin, and sons-in-law Andre Dompierre and Mark Halladay. Sandra is survived by her siblings David, Barbara-Ann, and Richard Phillips.

The family would like to thank Dawn Dompierre, a family friend and community palliative care coordinator, Dr. Sarah Critchley, the Victoria Palliative Response Team, and all the staff, volunteers, and healthcare providers at Victoria Hospice for their support, it takes a village.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, March 1st, at noon at St. Patrick's Church in Oak Bay, with a reception to follow at the Penny Farthing pub. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Victoria Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society.