Sandra Rose Smith

My Auntie Sand brought a much needed calmness and sanity to the chaos that was our childhood.She was an inspiration and instilled a sense pride in everything I do, especially with my love of art and the skills I have developed over the years.Praise from Auntie Sand was always held in high regard indeed. Always encouraging and thoughtful, she had a dignity that is rarely seen these days, a reminder that respect is an honor earned and not a rite. Auntie Sand was a very private woman but was happy at times to share her thoughts, feelings and memories. She never took sides or courted favourtism and quietly stood back and observed. Always very apt with her wise comments, she had dry wit that could not be surpassed. She was a big fan of Snoopy, which seems a total contrast to her outward appearance. It was a fondness we shared and I remember a Snoopy themed calendar she made at work for me, printed on dot matrix paper, it seemed to go on forever. More recently I discovered she was an admirer of all thing elephantine. Whilst staying at her flat in Camden, I noticed a cuddly stuffed elephant on top of her fridge, a gift from a work colleague. Once again it was an unexpected yet wonderful contradiction. I always believed she had a rebellious streak, maybe her rebellion was being a secret softie. There are not enough words to describe how much she will be missed, I will treasure my memories of her, her passing has signaled the end of an era. May she rest in peace, now she is free from years of enduring pain.

A small collection of photographs of an amazing auntie.

Auntie Sand, thank you for being a light when I was in the dark, and thank you for making me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. I may not have seen you for a long time, but I think about you every day. I know you are up there making everyone in heaven howl with laughter.  All my love to my favourite aunt. Jenni

Auntie Sand, thank you for being a light when I was in the dark, and thank you for making me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. I may not have seen you for a long time, but I think about you every day. I know you are up there making everyone in heaven howl with laughter.  All my love to my favourite aunt.

Some photos I wanted to share