Sandra Joan (Crooks) Tonnellier

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sandra Joan Tonnellier (née Crooks), lovingly known as Sandy, on December 31, 2025. Born on December 25, 1947, in Trail, BC, Sandy entered this world accompanied by her twin brother, Jim —and she left it the same way. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family, and on her own terms (just like she lived her life) after a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She passed in Courtenay, BC, where she enjoyed her retirement years.

Sandy’s life was rich with experiences, culture, and connection. Raised in Woodrow, Saskatchewan, she pursued her education in both Canada and France. It was in France where she fell in love with the culture, met her husband, and formed lifelong connections. France truly became her second home. She dedicated over 30 years to teaching in Saskatchewan, shaping countless young lives, before embracing 24 years of retirement as a “snowbird,” dividing her time between the Comox Valley, BC, and Arizona, USA.

A lifelong learner and advocate of healthy living, Sandy embraced every opportunity to grow, explore, and contribute meaningfully. Retirement allowed her to deepen her passions: spending cherished time with family in Canada and France, traveling the world (learning about history and experiencing other cultures was a real passion), photography, hiking, lawn bowling, learning new languages (Spanish and Italian), and pursuing varying artistic endeavors, to name only a few.  Everywhere she went, she formed lasting friendships and touched lives with her fearless passion for adventure and curiosity.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Katherine Crooks of Woodrow, Saskatchewan, and by her former husband, Jean Tonnellier of France. She is survived by her children, Claire, and Marc Tonnellier; her siblings Tim, Jim, and Mick Crooks; and her partner during her retirement years, Henri Saucier. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, partners’ family, and friends across Canada, the USA, and France.

At Sandy’s request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honour to Ovarian Cancer Canada http://ovariancanada.org