Sandra Babcock (née Killin) was the third of four children born to Donald and Dorothy Killin. Sandra, or “Sassy” as she became known, was a brunette child with striking blue eyes and a cooperative disposition. In her early teen years, she discovered an aptitude for competitive swimming after joining the Etobicoke Swim Club. This became the focus of her life during her high school years, as she (and her father) spent early, early mornings at the pool and many weekends. Sandra’s hard work and athletic ability almost earned her a spot on Canada’s Olympic team, but it did earn her an athletic scholarship to the University of Nebraska. There she earned a teaching degree and met Michael Babcock, her future husband and father of their three children: Donnie, Robbie and Tom. After raising her children in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sandra began a teaching career with a focus on special education.

Progressing rapidly through the ranks in her field, she became department head of special education at East Lincoln High School. Her undaunted spirit sparked several important reforms in special education for Lincoln, eventually resulting in an award for Teacher of the Year.

Unfortunately, Sandra was taken prematurely at the age of 57 by terminal cancer. She will be forever remembered for her love of family, athletics and the cottage, as well as her enjoyment of a good party!