You are now on Legacy.com. Your site use is governed by their Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Any purchases are with Legacy.com. Learn More

Search by Name

Search by Name

SANDRA DUFF Obituary

Known fondly by her family as Sam, we lost our dear sister, Sandra, on March 19, 2025. We are devastated. She fought so hard, persevering through a long, challenging illness. Sandra is survived by her sisters, Clair (Jan Kellar) and Jill (Rick Hunt); and her favourite niece, Rouey. She was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Sandy. Born in Halifax on March 25, 1962, Sandra was a NSCAD graduate. She had a decades-long career as a highly regarded graphic designer in Toronto advertising and design studios. Her work was a huge part of her identity. Sam had superb talent in creating costumes, playlists, meals, and anything requiring fine motor skills. Her design acumen and creativity extended to jewellery, cooking and décor. She admired art, design and beauty. Sandra would always show up perfectly pulled together with a flair she clearly shared with our Mum. The right scarf, the coolest of boots from her vast collection, a perfect belt, brilliant jewellery. If you needed to find anything in Toronto, Sam could tell you where to get it, long before Google came along. And her music knowledge was staggering. Sandra was witty, imaginative, and feisty. She was gracious, private, independent and compassionate. Her face spoke of joy, cheekiness and honesty. Our sister had a strong moral sense and railed against injustice and unfairness; she had no problem speaking her mind if something wasn't right. Sam was organized, tasteful and drawn to elegant design and quality that was timeless. We delighted in her ability to sense the humour and character in animals. We will remember her laughter, determination and courage, and her love and care for her family. Gone way too soon, she will be so greatly missed. We will gather to celebrate her life in the weeks ahead.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Apr. 12 to Apr. 16, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for SANDRA DUFF

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Valerie Cochrane

August 22, 2025

Dear Claire and Jill,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on hearing of Sandra´s death. It is years since you lived in Halifax, but I fondly remember the good times we had with your family when you lived on Oxford Street. Sandra/Sam was a talented young woman and I know you must both miss her enormously.
Sending you warm hugs,
Valerie Cochrane

Conor

April 14, 2025

I worked with Sandra and she was a truly wonderful colleague and person. Sandra was always the first to greet you when you came in, and her smile, positivity and kind nature were appreciated more than she knew.

David leblanc

April 12, 2025

Dear Jill and Claire
I am so shocked to hear of this news. I would prefer to speak or text in person if that is ok with you. As it turns out I am currently in Bridgewater until Monday then going back to Halifax on Monday. I do hope to hear from you. My deepest condolences. David xx

Claire

April 12, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of being a colleague of Sandra's at her most recent place of work, and her gift for design lifted our projects to new heights. Her impeccably cool fashion sense also inspired me to try to lift my own wardrobe to new heights, even though I knew I would never reach hers. Sandra's wit, humour and compassion shone through, as did her love for Nova Scotia and her family, including Rouey. We also talked about books, photography, Scotland, and all things related to CBC Radio. She introduced me to free tickets to 'Because News' recording sessions at the CBC, where we had a terrific time after work. She will be greatly missed.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Memorial Events
for SANDRA DUFF

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.