Sandy Frances Mary Duncan

Sandy Frances Mary Duncan

Sandy Frances Mary Duncan (née Chowne) was born in Vancouver, BC on January 24, 1942, and died suddenly on September 7, 2025, surrounded by love. Her family are grateful for all the kind care she received.

Sandy moved many times across Canada as a child, but always considered the West Coast to be her home. She chose Vancouver and Richmond to raise her family, and later, moved to Gabriola Island, where she built her community. She was very proud of her two daughters, Kelly (John) and Kirsten (Guy) and her five grandchildren, Chloe, Will (Evan), James, Ayla, and Jacob. She also had great affection for all the animal members of her extended family.

Sandy studied Psychology at UBC, completing her MA and working as a psychologist with children before turning to writing in 1973. Over the years, she wrote and co-wrote short stories, fiction, articles, and textbooks, organized and edited anthologies and periodicals, and toured Canada extensively, giving readings and writers’ workshops. She was a generous and enthusiastic supporter of and mentor to other writers through her work with the Gabriola Writer’s Group, PEN Canada, the Writer’s Union of Canada, and was known for her intellectual and personal honesty and integrity. Professional bio at: https://abcbookworld.com/writer/duncan-sandy-frances

On Gabriola, Sandy was a beloved and loyal friend. In her many years on Malaspina Drive, she hosted uncounted potlucks where friends came together to laugh and scheme about all the things that mattered. She loved to discuss, consider, challenge, and support others, and held deep beliefs in the importance of social justice, community, and global health. Always engaged and curious, Sandy listened to CBC radio throughout the day and night to keep up to date on politics, culture, science, current events, and technology (although she did not necessarily wish to use the technology). Her family would like to thank the myriad of Gabriola friends, professionals, and services supporting her when needed. She was passionate about the importance of community and loved living among you. A memorial event will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Island, or a community or charity of your choice.