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July 18, 1945 - July 20, 2020
"Count your blessings by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years."
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra Dale Hill, of Chilliwack, B.C. on Monday July 20, 2020. She passed away, just after her 75th birthday, surrounded by her family, after a short and courageous battle with leukaemia. Sandra was a beautiful and loving wife, a devoted mother, a brilliant grandmother, a caring sister, a supportive friend and an inspiration to anyone who knew her. Sandra was born on July 18,1945 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Shirley and George French. She moved with her parents and sister Donna to Edmonton, AB in 1956 where she graduated from Victoria Composite High School in 1963 and soon after started her own family. In 1975 she moved with her family to Chilliwack, B.C. After a fulfilling career with the Chilliwack School Board, where she developed the Work Experience Program that helped guide children in achieving their future career goals and inspired them to make their mark in the world, she retired in 2005. That same year, Sandra Hill, previously known as Sandra Tallas, married the love of her life, Garry Hill. Although Sandra retired from formal employment in 2005 she never really stopped working as the next chapter of her life included farming side by side with her husband Garry. She discovered that she had a real passion for farm life and she transformed into a bone fide "farm girl". Sandra loved to travel with her husband Garry to the Fountain of Youth in California, where they would meet up with friends or easily make new ones. Sandra had a zest for life and was always up for an adventure. Their travels took them all over the world, including to Paris, Croatia, Japan, New Orleans, Mexico and frequently to Florida, Alberta and Ontario. She never missed an opportunity to travel to see her family and made it a point to support her children and grandchildren, often timing visits with their special events. Sandra's priority in life was always her family. She sat poolside for more weekends than can be counted to cheer her daughter Kim on at swimming competitions, braved ice cold arenas, often before dawn, to watch her son Robbie play hockey and fostered a love of travel with her eldest daughter Tammie, including a memorable trip to Costa Rica. That unwavering support of her children was then transferred to her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to watch them compete in the sports they loved, including dance, hockey and lacrosse, to name a few. She was always their greatest cheerleader. Sandra will always be remembered for her positivity and warmth, her beautiful smile and her natural ability to make those around her feel welcome. She was a regular face at the Chilliwack Curling Club for more than four decades where she made many friends. She loved a good night out with family and friends, and was always up to host at her home. Everyone was welcomed by her, always. Sandra is survived by her husband and soul mate, Garry Hill, as well as by her loving children: Tammie (Gary) Clarke and their children, Lucas and Winston; Kim (Joel) Prpic and their children, Aiko and Saya; Robbie (Luciana) Tallas and their children, Gabriela and Isabela, as well as by Garry's daughter, Chandra (Peter) Intraligi and their children, Arianna, Pilerio, Alessio, and Dahlia and by Garry's son, Tyler (Nicole) Hill and their children, Carissa Gray, Tyson Hill, Hunter and Claire Barratt, all of whom she regarded as her family. She is also survived by her sister, Donna (Bob) Cheshire and her niece, Beth (Regan) Loy and nephew, Ryan (Cherry) Dyck. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, B.C. for their incredible care, with a special thanks to doctors Lauren Daley and David Williscroft. Sandra deeply loved her loyal dog Trip who brought her much joy and so in lieu of flowers we suggest that donations may be made in Sandra's honour to the BC SPCA Chilliwack Branch in Chilliwack, BC http://spca.bc.ca/donations/make-a-donation/? nab=1&utm_source=header&utm_campaign=donate
A celebration of Sandra's life will be held next summer when we can all gather to laugh, hug, cry and properly remember her. "Until we meet again...we think about you always, we talk about you still, you have never been forgotten, and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again."


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