SANDRA RUTH McMURTRY-CLOSE 1938-2019 Born in Toronto on December 10, 1938, at Toronto General Hospital. Grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario, attended Stamford Collegiate Institute. Tried Architectural Technology at Ryerson University, graduated from Ontario Teachers College (Art), experienced Material Arts, at the Ontario College of Art until interrupted by pregnancy, graduated from Algonquin College in Business Administration and computer applications. Maintained an avid interest in all aspects of architecture, interior design, material arts, fabric design and applique. In Sandra’s professional life, initially she was a public school teacher and art specialist and later with the Grey County Board of Education, she was the Board’s Art Consultant, K through grade 8 and always a supply teacher in whatever community she and her family resided. In Ottawa she worked for several large insurance companies as a computer trainer and as a CAD instructor in Algonguin College’s Interior Design Program. She retired in 1999 having witnessed Allan’s stress-free, retired life-style. She was preceded in death by her generous and loving parents, Donald Edward McMurtry and Ruth Evelyn McMurtry(nee Maybee). She is survived by her beloved husband, Allan Edward Close, and their two wonderful, accomplished children, Alexandrina Close (Ravo Lainevool) and Andrew Allan Close (Kristina Smith). Also her dear cousins, Dawn Langstroth and Dr. Wendy Parker. And many much-loved friends, book readers, gardeners and designers. Although they had unknowingly crossed paths several years before, Sandra met Allan at OCA where, one eventful day, he invited her to join him and friends for lunch at a nearby tavern and thereafter March 18th became a special annual day. They were married on August 5, 1966 beginning a life together rich in laughter, small but precious adventures, some travel and many moves. For many years she was a fabric artist, designing and producing a number of remarkable wall-hangings and 3D soft constructions. She and Allan commissioned an architect and built their last home in a rural part of Merrickville, Ontario where Sandra created her beloved gardens, furiously attended them for 15 years while being a very active member of two book clubs and a garden club. After selling their home in 2018 they had a summer adventure in New Brunswick, then moved into a new apartment in Smiths Falls. In the first week of October Sandra’s cancer began to make itself known and her health began to deteriorate rapidly. By November she was in hospital following a disastrous chemo treatment in Ottawa. She decided to be stoic, having had a full life, rather than be sad about having to die. Amazingly this worked, most of the time. Sandra was given the gift of life and now she has to give it back. She was a lucky woman, who led a lucky existence. She was annoyed that the world would continue without her being able to satisfy her innate curiosity about people and events. During her final months Sandra was wonderfully served by the Smiths Falls District Hospital and by Merrickville’s Hilltop Manor. Both of these facilities delivered medicine and care in a timely, professional and compassionate manner, a credit to the local communities. A special thank you to Sandra’s book club friends for their support, visits and for supplying her with an overwhelming number of murder mysteries and spy thrillers. And, of course, to all her Gemmell Road friends and neighbours. And to Paula Blenker for the photograph. In lieu of flowers, we would like everyone to remember Sandra by planting a native tree or bush, or toasting a glass of champagne. If desired memorial donations may be made in Sandra's name to the Smiths Falls Hospital Foundation, Hilltop Memorial Fund or by volunteering your time to any of the local charities.