It is with profound gratitude for a life well lived that we share news of the passing of Sandra Dale Louise Armstrong. Shortly after celebrating a joyful Christmas and holiday season with her family, and following a brief illness, Sandra passed peacefully at the age of 88 with her children and their spouses by her side, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Guelph General Hospital.

She is now reunited with her loving late husband, Donald Arthur Armstrong (2004) and her parents Herbert and Clara Brown of Toronto.

Sandra was a devoted mother to Catherine Embree (Kevin), Christine Armstrong (Dave), and Jacqueline Armstrong Gates (Jeff). Cherished grandmother of Caitlin Embree Kraemer (Ben), McKenzie Embree-Boyd (Wes), Taylor Embree, Madeleine Van de Kleut, Alex Van de Kleut (Beck), Elizabeth Van de Kleut, Victoria Gates, and Davis Gates. Delighted great-grandmother to Avery, Lincoln, and Ella Embree Kraemer, and Lauren Embree-Boyd.

Sandra was born and raised in Toronto. She attended Lawrence Park Secondary School, followed by studies in physio and occupational therapy in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto where she was a member of the AOII Sorority. Sandra very much enjoyed her studies, her student practica in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a short career in physio and occupational therapy before motherhood. Her profound valuing of education is a strong legacy for her family.

Her passions and hobbies embraced the arts, languages, history, education, horticulture and leisure and travel. Throughout her life, she joined historical and horticultural societies (Guelph, Waterloo), opera and choral organizations, and enjoyed lectures at Conestoga College and the Perimeter Institute. Sandra belonged to Trinity United Church (Guelph, Kitchener) and loved gardening, playing tennis, pool, bridge, and travelling. Sandra was well-known for her lifelong appreciation of roses and her many rose gardens - frequent sites for family photos and memories.

We offer special thanks to the staff at Guelph General Hospital for their attentive and compassionate care.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Funeral service will follow visitation at 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. Private family interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers being delivered to either the funeral home or the family members, we welcome donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Heart & Stroke Foundation - charities which held a special place in Sandra’s heart - or to a charity of your choice. Donations may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.