Although her name was Arlene, after her parents Arnold and Eileen, upon her birth at Grace Hospital in
Vancouver, a nurse declared that she “looked like a wee Sandye” and the nickname immediately stuck.
Why “E”? will forever be unanswered, but it made her name as unique as the person she became.
Her school years were spent In East Vancouver where she made some life-long friendships, before
moving with her parents to the Tri-Cities. Sandye married in 1963 and always wanted a big family, but
she and Gary (1942-1981) were only blessed with one daughter, so they became foster parents and
after a few years ended up adding two brothers to the family.
A new, and the largest chapter, in Sandye’s life began when she married Garfield, along with his two
daughters, in 1985. We became a more unusually blended family, but now with five children in one
house, she had her big family, including a variety of pets. And there was always room for one more at
the dinner table.
Together, Sandye and Gar enjoyed 37 years of love, laughter, music and the many trials of life at their
home in Coquitlam where she particularly enjoyed her garden and all the birds that would visit. Yes, it’s
true, our family was like a comic strip at times, with our very own Arlene and Garfield – a source of joy
and laughter over the years.
Sadly, Sandye passed away peacefully but rather suddenly on August 1, 2022, with Gar and Barb by her
side.
Loved and missed by husband Garfield, daughter Barbara Roberts, Lee-Ann Smith (Stephen), Laura Pitts,
Richard Downey, Timothy Downey, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as many
friends and family.
As a passionate advocate for both the children and animals trusted to her care, donations to the
BCSPCA, or the animal or children’s charity of your choice would be a lovely tribute.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arlene Discher Monday August 1st 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Coquitlam, Province: Colombie britanique