Obituary of Sandra Urbansky
Sandra Urbansky
June 30, 1947 – March 23, 2026
Sandra Urbansky, born Aleksandra Sydoriak on June 30, 1947, in the Ellwangen Ukrainian Displaced Persons Camp in Germany, has passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, devotion and kindness.
The first child of Julia Sydoriak, Sandra’s life began in the shadow of war but was shaped by resilience, sacrifice, and a deep familial love. Young Julia immigrated to Canada ahead of her own mother and infant daughter, with a dream to build a new life and sponsor their passage. For the first five years of her life, Sandra was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Anna Sydoriak, whose steadfast presence left a lasting impression. When Sandra and Anna finally arrived in Canada, they were placed on a farm in rural western Ontario, where Anna worked until the government permitted them to be reunited with Julia in Toronto.
Once there, Sandra was introduced into a growing family. Julia’s Ukrainian husband, Frank Urbansky, embraced Sandra as his own daughter, raising her with pride. Her siblings Olga and Terry soon joined the family, and together the Urbanskys made their home in East York.
Sandra attended East York Collegiate Institute and entered the workforce as soon as she was able, beginning her long and dedicated career with the Royal Bank of Canada. Her independence and work ethic within the company carried her west to Cranbrook, British Columbia, where she formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed an exciting new beginning.
However, that would prove temporary when, in 1973, she returned to Toronto to care for her sister Olga after a near-fatal car accident. It was an act that reflected Sandra’s enduring sense of responsibility to those she loved. Remaining there, she continued her career with RBC, rising through the ranks to become an executive assistant to senior leadership in the real estate banking division.
Known fondly as Sandi to those close to her, she had a natural warmth and a life that was defined by her care for others. Just as her grandmother had once cared for her, Sandra became a second mother to Olga’s children, Kristi and Rob, playing an essential role in their upbringing. She was equally devoted to her parents in their later years, serving as translator, advisor and advocate, always ensuring their needs were met with dignity and compassion. Her generosity extended beyond her family—Sandra was always ready to help friends, neighbours, and anyone in need, offering her time and talents selflessly.
A woman of gentle spirit and quiet joys, Sandra was an avid reader who found comfort and escape in all types of stories. She also had a passionate eye for photography, preferring to be behind the lens, pursuing it as a hobby in her spare time. She loved The Eagles and the Beatles. Most notable was her affection for all things British—from literature to architecture, television to film—and she delighted in her admiration for actor Tom Hiddleston. Like her father and sister, Sandra found peace in her garden, tending to it with patience and creativity.
Though she spent much of her life sharing her home with beloved cats, it was in her retirement that Sandra welcomed a puppy, and a new purpose, into her life. Encouraged by her sister, she adopted a Havanese-Shih Tzu and named her Panda—despite the dog’s creamy coat. Their bond was instant and profound. Together, Sandra and Panda became familiar and cherished figures in Toronto’s Birch Cliff community, especially at Blantyre Park, where they formed many friendships among neighbours and fellow dog lovers. Sandra also shared a close friendship with her neighbour, Nancy, with whom she enjoyed outings, holidays and many happy moments with their respective dogs.
Sandra was fiercely independent yet had a natural warmth that drew others to her. Children and animals instinctively trusted her, and those who knew her will remember her calming presence, her benevolence, and her selfless heart.
She was predeceased by her beloved nephew, Rob Holtam (d. 2017), and her sister and best friend, Olga Urbansky Holtam (d. 2018). She is survived by her brother, Terry (Heather Urbansky), niece, Kristi (Mike McHenry), and her brother-in-law, Gord Holtam.
Sandra’s devoted canine companion, Panda, followed her shortly after her passing, having faithfully fulfilled her duty.
It brings great comfort to her surviving family to know that Sandra and Panda are together again, reunited with those they loved—and that she’s back in the arms of her cherished grandmother, Anna, whose love defined her and who now welcomes her home.
Please join us in remembering Sandra at the eco Life Celebration Centre within the Sanctuary of Beach United Church (140 Wineva Avenue at Queen St. East, Toronto) with visitation on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 2 p.m. follwed by a Tribute to her at 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited and encouraged to speak during the celebration.
In honour of Sandra’s unwavering love for animals, polite and friendly on-leash dogs are welcome to pay their respects alongside their owners to their human and canine friend.
A reception with refreshments to follow.
Guest parking is available in the Green P lot adjacent to the venue as well as the surrounding streets and further Green P on Queen St. E.
Sandra will join her sister Olga with her burial at St. John’s Norway Cemetery the following afternoon, Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, at 12 p.m. Guests and dogs-on leash are welcome to attend by meeting inside the Kingston Road gates at 1150 a.m. to be guided to the site. A future monument will be erected as a tribute to the love of sisters and their canines.
For the safety of Sandra’s cat, Ella, cat-friendly floral arrangements will be accepted. For ease of ordering, please use the Order Flowers button on her home page.
Donations to Toronto Humane Society strongly encouraged by using the Donatons tab on her home page.
Please share a memory, photo or sentiment of Sandra's life here at her memorial legacy page.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
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