It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we say goodbye to Sandy.

Sandy was diagnosed with blood cancer in Autumn 2024, but continued to live a full life right up to the end. She spent this time with those most precious to her: dear friends, family, Lily, and most of all Marg.

Sandy was born and raised in Nanaimo. She was the eldest of five children of Alex and Molly McLellan.

She leaves behind her beloved siblings: Marilyn McLellan, Richard McLellan, Kate Alton, and Charlie McLellan (Patti), and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in a household steeped in strong socialist values, Sandy was always interested in helping others. It was evident even at the early age of sixteen that Sandy had a passion to help those in need. She worked with the Nanaimo Kiwanis to create a summer camp for children and adults with various disabilities, the first of its kind in BC. Following her graduation from UBC in 1970, she had a lengthy career as an occupational therapist in Halifax, Nanaimo, and Victoria.

For a number of years, she and her first partner Jacquie Denage owned and operated Healthlines Bookstore on Fort Street in Victoria. Sandy then became the Executive Director of the Women's Sexual Assault Centre until her retirement in 2008.

In 2003, Sandy met her great love Margaret Kavanagh, and together they built a new life. Their home on Gonzales Avenue became the nucleus of a wide-ranging network of family and friends where everyone felt comfortable in their welcoming garden.

Sandy and Marg hosted frequent gatherings, from weekly poker games to annual BC Day celebrations. Westie Abby, and later Lily, were always around to provide licks or kisses.

Sandy had many passions in life; she and Marg used their Rialta motorhome to travel extensively, cherishing each new adventure. Then, in the years that followed, they enjoyed both overseas and local house exchanges, often sharing these trips with Sandy's sister Marilyn.

Gardening, playing pickleball, reading, watching British television, and walking to coffee shops were other activities that brought her joy. (Oh, and of course, sipping scotch).

She grew up in a family that played every board and card game they could find. From early days playing Crib and Scrabble, then on to favourites such as Hand & Foot, Marbles & Jokers, and Texas Hold’em Poker.

At the essence of Sandy's being was her intense commitment to social justice. All her adult life she was involved with the women's movement, which made a difference in countless lives.

Sandy was an unassuming person. There was often amusement twinkling in her clear blue eyes or just as likely a soft compassion and acceptance. It was a privilege to be able to see and experience her keen intelligence, fierce activism for justice, clarity of vision, patience, generosity, and kindness.

Sandy always valued her relationships with family and friends, and was deeply loved. She will be sorely missed by all, and will live on in our hearts.

Special thanks to Dr. Donna Doyle, Sandy's doctor of 30+ years for always being there.

In lieu of flowers we suggest a donation to a charity of your choice.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/victoria-bc/sandra-mclellan-12367629