With great sorrow we share the passing of Sandra (Sandy) Boles, who passed away in her home on March 7, 2025. She is survived by her sister Heather Wildeboer (Albert), nephew Jeff Wildeboer (Kim), great- nephews Zachary and Alex, niece Dawn Gelech (Shawn), great nephews Nicholas and William. She is predeceased by her father William Harold Boles, mother Margaret, and siblings Barbara and Richard.
Sandra proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy where she made life long friends, and had many wonderful adventures. She was stationed here in Canada as well as in Germany. She was well loved and respected by all who knew her.
In her retirement she continued to cultivate friendships by working with seniors (something that she expressly loved). And by “playing cards with the ladies”. She was generous with her time and her spirit, and lived her life to the absolute fullest.
Sandra had a life long passion for sports. She started at a young age in Deloraine, Manitoba and excelled in all sports. Her accomplishments resulted in her representing her Base at the time in the Canadian National Championships in both women’s fastball and curling.
The family would like to thank Louise Chaif for all that she has done for Sandy, and to all of the people who have called to offer condolences.
A graveside service will be held at The National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, March 21 at 1 p.m. Those wishing to attend should arrive by 12:45 p.m. at the main entrance of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre to join the procession.
Those unable to attend in person may attend virtually via live stream - Please register here.
Digital Guestbook
Kathy baron
Georgina Wherry
Sandy was most welcoming, and supportive when I first showed up to play bridge. I was a very new player fresh from my lessons. She not only welcomed me but made arrangements to help me learn more. Our time together was too short but time spent with Sandy's was time wellspent and most enjoyable. You will be well remembered with a place in my heart.
Guy Corriveau
During radio operator trades training, Sandy quickly established herself as the innovator and outlier --- not the usual, fixed-method instructor. Toub-typing is typically instructed in a standard format (used in all high schools and at our trades school). I was particularly fascinated to follow the diagrammatic presentations while listening to the Bee Gees (Saturday Night Fever soundtrack) to establish a meter (beat) to follow while my fingers danced on blacked out keys... It worked. Being a drummer I quickly went from 0 wpm to about 50 wpm using the "Sandy" typing method. She is permanently etched in my memories of CF Radio Operator Trades School. I will remember her fondly --- sorry that our paths never crossed again in my 22-year service history. My sympathies to her family and loved ones.
Glenn F Ploughman RCAF Major (Ret'd)
Sandy was both a sincere friend and my awesome Personal Assistant for over 10 years as we grew an Investment company in Ottawa in our second careers after retirement from the CF. Sandy was dedicated to our business, was an administrative wizard and ran my office better than a CF Orderly Room. Thank you, Sandy, for all you have given to your friends, your community and your country. You will be missed. RIP
Barbara & Brian Haydock
My husband and I enjoyed playing Bridge with Sandy and appreciated how welcoming she was to new players. Our condolences to her family.
Sharon &George Morrow
We enjoyed sitting with Sandy at various bridge tables. She will be remembered fondly.
Blair Gohl
Sandy was my Mom's niece. I had lost contact with Sandy over the last several years and am saddened to hear of her passing. We had some good times in the early days when my Mom and Dad (Margaret and Al Gohl) and my sister Pat and I lived in Montreal and Sandy would come down from Ottawa for a visit. I remember Sandy's love of curling and all things sports.
Ruth Walker
Sandy was an Able Wren if my memory serves when I went through New Entry Training in Cornwallis. She was taking a communicator course. Stern, yet fair so I have great respect for her. Rest well Wren Boles.
Rick Taylor
We visited with cousin Sandy when our son Jason was playing in the Canadian High School Football Championships. We went to a high end restaurant where Sandy and Louise taught them naughty tricks such as how to make a Bra out of a table napkin. Thanks for all the fun! RIP Sandy.
Ute Webb
Sandy was my next door neighbour in Kanata. Always helpful, full of fun and laughter. We became good neighbourly friends.
I'll miss our lunches and laughter.
RIP Sandy.
I served with Sandy. We played basketball on same team and sofball