Sandy Lehto, beloved wife, mother, and nana, passed away on May 24, 2024, at home with family by her side.
Sandy was born on September 21, 1948, in Port Arthur, ON, the daughter of Stephen and Charlotte (Matthews) Ladigen. She received her education at Prospect School, Arthur St. Central, Hillcrest High School in Ottawa, Hammarskjold, and Lakehead University.
Sandy was very active and loved to be around family and friends. She spent many happy years at Amethyst Harbour, from teaching swim lessons in her youth to playing ladies’ tennis, and pickleball. She loved the sounds of children playing at camp. She volunteered her time with numerous charities, and was a longtime member of Rotary Anns, the Gyrettes, and the Jaycettes.
Sandy and John made many memories on their trips to far destinations and enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, and ice fishing. It is safe to say that John’s sense of adventure went well outside Sandy’s comfort zone! She was funny, but kind and loving. She appreciated good things in life like beautiful clothes, well-done hair, delicious food, and a neat and tidy home. Sandy was down-to-earth and practical. She was the opposite of a shallow person. She was open-hearted and willing to challenge a person’s thoughts in a thoughtful way.
Sandy is lovingly remembered by her husband Dr. John Jackson-Hughes, sons Peter (Susan), David (Jody), Andrew (Natalie), J.P. Jackson-Hughes (Jody), and Jennie Jackson-Hughes (Jason Blair); grandchildren Taylor, Aiden, Zachary, Mackenzie, Joshua, Sophie, Cloe, Lucas, Theo, Lucy, Julia, Andrew, Anna, and Margo; and sisters Bonnie and Martha. She was predeceased by her first husband Paul Lehto and her parents Stephen and Charlotte.
A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, June 26, from 1pm-3pm, with words of tribute at 1:30pm, at the Valhalla Inn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the TBRHSF Cancer Centre or to the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the medical staff who assisted Sandy, including Dr. Faghih, Dr. Ramchandar, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Ward, Dr. Mangatal; nurses Jocelyn, Corina Setala, and Amanda Cort; and sister Bonnie McDonald, and family friends Cherie Kok and Diane French. Your compassion will always be remembered.
Love you forever, like you for always, forever and ever our Nana you’ll be.
Please leave condolences and fond memories at www.sargentandson.com.
