It is with a very heavy heart I share with her many TTOL friends and acquaintances the passing of Sandy Gagnon after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

Sandy was a very private woman and didn't want to bring others down with the sadness of her health situation. She fought long and hard and always maintained her incredible sense of humor, her quick wit and her equally quick and kind tongue. In her last email, as sick as she was, she still found some humor in being in the hospital and had me LOL at her hospital antics.

Sandy was a true St. Maarten lover and in fact became engaged to her beloved husband, Bill, during one of their many trips. Sandy had a heart as big as Texas and a sense of humor that was even bigger. She advocated for many St. Maarten causes and was always one to do a good deed for the island helping out with so many island causes. Her last real SXM function was the RI gathering a few years back and I think most there had no idea how truly sick she was.

Sandy, you fought so bravely for such a long time. The Lord has truly called home one of his angels - Rest In Peace, My Very Dear Friend. We will miss you.

For anyone who would like more information or would like to leave a note for Bill, her arrangements are being handled through the Zis-Sweeney Funeral Home in Nashua, NH. and there is a book of remembrances available on their website.

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityM...&eid=viewgb

Respectfully,

Pat and John Denley
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Condolences to you and to her family and friends.

Thanks for sharing the news pat. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill and Sandy (along with you and John) several years ago and also had some nice private conversations with her. Very nice person for sure. Condolences to the family and Bill.

Pat, Thank you so much for posting this information. I, too, enjoyed many laughs with both her and Bill, in Rhode Island at the many gatherings as well as on island. We spent many nights casino talking. She was a lovely lady and so loved the island.

Sincere condolences to Bill and also Sandy's family and friends. This is very sad news indeed as most people did not even know she was ill. So many of the SXM family have passed away recently. They will all be greatly missed.

The news of Sandy's passing is very sad and shocking. Thank you for letting us know, Pat. In addition to the wonderful memories of the Rhode Island & Massachusetts gatherings, I'll always remember Sandy's smile and her love for SXM. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Bill and their family.

Pat, thank you so much for sharing this awful information. Sandy and I conversed quite a bit a number of years ago, and we always enjoyed making fun of our husbands' "passion" for lawn mowing!! I remember her telling me one time that Bill had actually cut a pattern on their front lawn to resemble the Red Sox logo!!!
May she rest in peace with thoughts of Bill and her SXM vacations . . .

Oh Pat...My heart is broken. I am just reading this now after receiving a Christmas card from Bill with Sandy's prayer card. Sandy was one of my first SXM friends. She and Bill (and Mark) embraced Steve and I and we always met up for dinner on our spring trips. Our travels became sporadic and we fell out of touch, but always shared a Christmas greeting card. My heart is heavy today...trying to wrap my head around the fact that I will never share a laugh or a hug with Sandy again.

Very sad news indeed. I'm sorry for the loss of your good friend and send condolences to Bill as well. May she rest in peace.

Oh, wow, that's shocking news, Pat. I remember them well over the years. So sorry to hear this sad news. Sorry for your loss.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa

May you rest where the sand is soft, the breeze is warm and the sun shines on you always.

LeeLee

I’ve just received a note from Bill Gagnon and he has asked me to convey his most sincere thanks to all of you who have recently noted the mention of Sandy’s passing and have added comments.

Bill is NOT a registered TTOL member and isn’t into social media posting himself, and add to that, he is unable to recall Sandy’s password, but he asked me to tell all, he is deeply appreciative of your thoughts and good wishes and comes to this site frequently and takes comfort in the good wishes of those who knew Sandy and chose to post here. He also asked me to let those friends know he is keeping busy and slowly coming to terms with all of his ‘firsts’ since Sandy’s passing. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Just seeing this now and along with the sorrow, I got a chill. Bill and I were driving through Maho just yesterday and I thought of them and mentioned to Bill that it had been a few years since we had seen them and hoping they were ok. Such a lovely couple who we enjoyed so many hours both here on the island and at the Rhode Island parties. They always hosted an afternoon at their place at Royal Islander and we laughed and laughed while watching the wonderful view of planes landing and sunsets together.

Pat, please express our deepest condolences and love to Bill when next you chat. RIP Sandy - we felt your touch yesterday.

I just got a message from Bill. It's been a crazy week and some late work nights but I want him to know I will be in touch soon. Bill...if you are reading this please know that Steve and I will always remember Sandy and look forward to more times together with you whether here in New England or in SXM. Talk to you soon, perhaps Friday night or Saturday.