Sandra Porter

Sandra Porter

Apr 20th 1953 — May 19th 2023 (70 years)

Biography

Sandra ‘Sandi’ Marie Porter passed away peacefully in her Wolfville home on May 19, 2023, surrounded by family. Born April 20, 1953 to the late Roy and Marie Porter, Sandi grew up in Toronto and was the oldest of six children. Sandi was predeceased by daughter, Cassie. She is survived by daughters, Tammi and Leighanne; granddaughters, Sandra Leigh and Jessy; brothers, David, Michael and Steven; sisters, Sharon and Judy; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Sandi is also survived by her two dogs, Lily and Joya - and was forever grateful to Mary and Andrew for lovingly welcoming them into their home. Sandi was a hard worker who always had a ‘day job’, but her passion was that of being a musician. She spent her life immersed in the music scene - and has left a legacy of music in her wake. She loved to perform and was an amazing songwriter. In her own words, “Music has always been for me, as essential as breathing”. Over the course of her life, Sandi has made her mark on many musical communities and forged musical circles throughout North America. No matter where she lived, she always felt at home performing or hosting an open mic. And if the opportunity didn’t present itself, she wasn’t shy to make it happen. From Grossman's Tavern in Toronto with her band Under the Bus, to Sunday Beach Jam’s at Lizard Joes in Chelem, Mexico. During her years living in St. Augustine, FL, she was a regular performer at Trade Winds Lounge & Milltop Tavern, among many other venues and festivals. More recently, Sandi was part of the musical scene in and around Kings County - performing regularly over the years at The Noodle Guy, Tan Coffee House, Paddy's Brewpub, and Wayfarers' Ale Society among others. For making Sandi’s journey so beautiful, her family would like to thank elder’s Carla and David from SANCTUARY at Sipu Gtapegiaqan Geleiwatl for their spiritual and ceremonial guidance; Chandra Lockhart for the beautiful resonant music she so sensitively immersed us in; and Erica Maynard for her compassion and professionalism. Although Sandi Marie is no longer with us, her musical legacy will live on - and can be found here https://sandimarieporter.bandcamp.com/album/nashville-tennessee-meets-sandi-marie-album On the Monday before her passing, Sandi had the privilege of being interviewed by CBC’s Jeff Douglas. The interviews (radio and video) can be found here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2207531587659 and https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-37/clip/15984860 Sandi died the way she tried to live her life - on her own terms. She will be mourned and missed by many.

Notes of Condolences about Sandra

Leigh Anne Barlow

5 days ago

I met Sandi-Marie when she was living with my brother Kevin in Toronto on Bloor and Crawford Street. Not only was she so kind and welcoming to my brother, but she provided light and music in my life through her parties and jam circles. She was one my first introductions to music in Toronto, and I will never forget her. Rest in Peace and light; brave, talented, and inspiring lady. Thank you for being an incredible host and person.

Lukas Dunham

5 days ago

I first met Sandi, a few years back, in Port Williams at the jams with her and Guy. I was a young accordionist back then, and eager to get out and make music. I didn’t know then how truly lucky I was to be there.

I can say without a doubt that Sandi’s vision for music-making, on top of her deep love for the craft and the people who did it, was the best thing I could have encountered during that time as a musician and a person. Her warmth was beyond words.

The people who came down to that jam, didn’t truly come down for the scenery, or even the chance to make music. They came down for the atmosphere that Sandi made, and the love of music that poured from that patio every week.

Thank you for what you did for the Valley and elsewhere, Sandi. We will meet again, and jam someday, wherever you are. Be well.

Suzanne Barkley

6 days ago

My friendship with Sandi began almost 40 years ago. A friendship that evolved from tragedy. No musical connection,

Since she moved to Wolfville we shared many long telephone conversations. She will Sing with the Angels. Watch for the dimes, that will be her, letting us know she is at peace.

Kevin Jeffrey

6 days ago

I met Sandi at a Canada Day party/jam in 2011. Herb Dale RIP said I should get up and play bass for her and Guy. The following year , she gave me my 'last big break' with Under The Bus monthly First Friday gig at Grossman's. Always loved her so well crafted original tunes , melodically and lyrically ; what a treat to learn them , and then be there for her new ones as they came out ! Thank You Sandi for several very special years playing with you....You are always in my musical heart.......

Gib McInnis

7 days ago

I first met Sandi with Guy back in the day when I was starting up the open mic at Ross's Noodle Guy in Port Williams. Back then, it was just me playing in the corner by the front window, then in walked Sandi and Guy. Sandi and Guy immediately connected with me, and after an invitation, Sandi and Guy showed up the following Saturday; the rest is history there. I also met Sandi's brother Mike this past Christmas Eve in Sherbrooke, while renting a cottage on Lochaber Lake. Mike and I jammed all night, and just before mid-night we realized it was Christmas morning (in 30 minutes) and we should get to bed. What an accomplished guitar player Mike is too. Mike would later accept my invitation to play for the Gibson's Woods (in the Valley) service on Sunday, and later at Geradine Browning's kitchen for an afternoon of great fun and dancing.

I just want to offer my condolences to both Mike and his family for their loss. Your family's music abilities have made this world a better place. Thank you. Here is a song for the "Beloved" family members that I hope will help the healing process:

Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean,

Tears from the depth of some divine despair

Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,

In looking on the happy autumn-fields,

And thinking of the days that are no more.


Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail,

That brings our friends up from the underworld,

Sad as the last which reddens over one

That sinks with all we love below the verge;

So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more.


Ah, sad and strange as in dark summer dawns

The earliest pipe of half-awaken'd birds

To dying ears, when unto dying eyes

The casement slowly grows a glimmering square;

So sad, so strange, the days that are no more.


Dear as remembered kisses after death,

And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feign'd

On lips that are for others; deep as love,

Deep as first love, and wild with all regret;

O Death in Life, the days that are no more!

Lord Alfred Tennyson


Rita Tibert

7 days ago

Only met Sandi the last couple years at The jam sessions at the Noodle Guy! She enjoyed her music so much and also loved to follow my son when he was playing with a band or at one of the open mic sessions!

Always so pleasant and kind!

Sincere condolences to all of her family, colleagues and friends

R.I.P. sweet soul. ❤️

Pamela Pope

7 days ago

Sandi and I worked together in St. Augustine FL playing as a duo. I was so impressed by her songwriting. She was such a passionate performer!! When she fell in love it was with all of her heart. I watched her heart get broken which made her a better songwriter. She got up and lived every day. She was driven with a purpose and she finished her purpose and decided it was time to go home. A strong talented brave person. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her. I will miss her but I'll never forget her. She left us with some beautiful songs her legacy. Rest in peace Sandi Marie Porter!!

Lynn & Danny Hayne

7 days ago

I did not know Sandi well but memories we do have were centered around her music. Hugs and sincere condolences to family and loved ones!

Karen Snow

7 days ago

She loved hard and hurt hard. She had a great deal of passion for her music, family and friends. She will be missed by many that she touched in her lifetime. Always in my heart, I will never forget you!

Kirk E. Felix

8 days ago

Though I didn't know Sandi very well, I knew that the music she and Guy made was wonderful. I know she will be missed. My Condolences to Guy and the entire Toronto music scene for a much too early loss. Rest in Piece Sandi.


Kory Bayer

8 days ago

I was fortunate enough to have a chance to work with Sandi in the studio. We worked on some of the demos that were eventually recorded in Nashville for her wonderful album Nashville, Tennessee meets Sandi Marie. It was an honour to work with such an accomplished songwriter. I'll treasure the memories of that time.


Good luck, Sandi, on the next phase of your journey.

Paul Frost

9 days ago

From the winter of 2015 through the winter of 2017 we were blessed to meet a couple of musicians from Canada name Sandi Marie and Guy Breau who founded our Sunday Beach Jams at Lizard Joes Yucatexa and coordinated participation from expat musicians visiting or living in the area as well as local musicians from the beach areas and Merida. These events were full of fun, fellowship and of course music. Unfortunately, Lizard Joes closed in the spring of 2017 since our family needed us NOB.


Upon reopening in the spring of 2022 we decided to try and recapture some of that Sunday vibe and began hosting what we call the Sandy Guy Beach Brunch on Mondays featuring a sand snowman wearing a Toronto baseball cap on our ads since this couple was our inspiration for creating this event.


So today, we rename the Sandy Guy Beach Brunch to the Sandi Guy Beach Brunch in rememberance of Sandi Marie and reflect on the good times, fellowship and mutual love of live music that made Sandi such a special person and wonderful friend. RIP Amiga your spirit lives on.

David Hayne

9 days ago

Fabulous friend to have in your life......I remember the days she spent living in Country Harbour and many times listening to her sing and play around my kitchen table....beautiful vocals and writer... way to young to leave us...big hug to family and friends

Mike Chiasson

9 days ago

She was one of my favorite people ❤ we wrote a song together call The Maritime Bus Line Blues coming back from Sydney while returning drive away cars R.I.P Sandi you will be missed 😢

Ruben Riera

9 days ago

Meeting Sandy and Guy was a joy listening to her stories while playing her song in Fish Creek, West Virginia with many other people out of Canada awesome times talking about open Jams in Mexico and just simply having a great time Thanks for your Music and inspiring stories My deepest condolences 🙏 to family and friends

Nancy Nichols

9 days ago

We met in Mexico and had many fabulous adventures. I will miss her music, energy and pragmatic views on life. Such a grand lady with a beautiful soul.

Doretta Kaiser

9 days ago

I met Sandy a few times through Sharon, she was very much like her mom, they both had a real zest for life. I was really surprised to hear of her of her passing. My heart-felt sympathy goes out to her family.

Susan Smith

9 days ago

Rembering the time Sandy spent with my Mum .She was so kind and compassionate

Such a gentle sweetheart. Condolences to all her family. Hugs.to all.




Honey Novick

9 days ago

OMG...I'm saddened to learn this. Sandi was my friend in Toronto. We knew each other through music and through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I will always treasure her memory

Joanne Sponagle

9 days ago

Heart felt condolences to Sandi's family.

Henry Casten

9 days ago

In February 2016 Sandi, and co-host Guy Breau, welcomed me to their Sunday Jam at Lizard Joe's in Chelem, MX. I was a nervous, novice singer/guitarist who had only played in front of people once or twice, and was petrified at the thought of doing so in from of so many people. Sandi and Guy mentored me as I began my musical journey, and helped me to become the performer I am today. They made me feel welcome as member of the musical community there. Sandi and Guy also played with me at the first Expat/Telchacqueno concert at the Muelle in Telchac Puerto, MX,helping to bridge the gap between the 2 communities there. Sandi always encouraged me, hugged me, smiled at me whenever I needed it. Thank you Sandi. RIP

LindaMarie

9 days ago

I am grateful for her generosityof spirit, her patience and kindness during the many home music jam sessions I attended. Music was her passion and that passion radiated out and for me it sparked passion and self confidence to play music with others. These gatherings are now precious gems of memories in the treasury of my heart.

Leanne

9 days ago

Sandi waa an extraordinary person and she touched many lives. I will always treasure our weekend away that time and other visits to your home with in Wolfville. I feel Sandi did cross over gently into the spirit world and we all will feel your touch forever more. Loved you.

Jim Porter

9 days ago

So sorry hear this our condolences to the family.

Nancy English

9 days ago

I will forever remember our chats and her trying to tell me I could sing. Her energy was infectious and because I knew her I was changed for good!!!

Roy Buchan

9 days ago

I played with Sandi many many times and it was always about the music. She had a lilting smile that would show itself when it was all coming together. Spring Hill was my fav of her songs but there were many others that were equally awesome. She will be missed by many. So long sandi. Love roy

Tyler

9 days ago

Having an Aunt like Sandi was awesome growing up. She was the coolest and filled me with a passion for music. I’ll always be your Tito. Love and miss you forever.

Chris Hopkin

9 days ago

Sandi was a friend, a mentor and it was an honour to spend time with her. The vibe she helped create every Saturday at the Noodle Guy jams inspired me to continue playing guitar and start writing songs. She and I share the belief that we transition back to our spiritual beings after this life is over so it was with great honour that I accepted the job of being guardian of her guitar. Our deal is when I meet her again at an open mic sometime I will hand her back her guitar again and tell her to get back at what she loves to do best - write songs :)

Bev and Chuck Bennett

9 days ago

Sandi was a wonderful friend, musician, and most of all an incredibly warm and loving person. She will be missed!! RIP Sandi Marie. You deserve it!!❤️❤️

Bev and Chuck Bennett

9 days ago

Sandi was a wonderful friend-so musically talented and most of all full of love and warmth!!! RIP Sandi Marie. You deserve it! ❤️❤️🤨

Sharon webber

9 days ago

I never got to know Sandy well as she grew up in Ontario when I lived in Country Harbour. We were cousins . Sandy's grandfather Stan was my grandfather 's Ern brother. May she rest in peace and sing with the angels in heaven.

Comments Awaiting Approval:

Approved Comments:

Leigh Anne Barlow

Lukas Dunham

Suzanne Barkley

Kevin Jeffrey

Gib McInnis

Rita Tibert

Pamela Pope

Lynn & Danny Hayne

Karen Snow

Kirk E. Felix

Kory Bayer

Paul Frost

David Hayne

Mike Chiasson

Ruben Riera

Nancy Nichols

Doretta Kaiser

Susan Smith

Honey Novick

Joanne Sponagle

Henry Casten

LindaMarie

Leanne

Jim Porter

Nancy English

Roy Buchan

Tyler

Chris Hopkin

Bev and Chuck Bennett

Bev and Chuck Bennett

Sharon webber

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