Change in service date: Sandra (Sandy) Mary (Brown) Arsenault

Sandra “Sandy” Mary Arsenault (nee Brown), age 73, passed away at home (Summerside, PE), on February 3rd, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, wit, and an ever-present love for the quirky side of life. Born in St. Jérôme, Quebec, at the foot of the Laurentian Mountains, on a crisp October day in 1952, Sandy was the daughter of Francis (Frank) and Kezia (Ada) Brown (nee Leishman). She was part of an adventurous and lively family that moved across Canada as Frank’s work in construction took them to new places.

Sandy’s life was a symphony of interests, accomplishments, and joy, all underpinned by her unique sense of humor. A natural-born storyteller, she loved to recount the colorful chapters of her life, often with a wry twist or a punchline that left you in stitches. She even kept her doctors and nurses on their toes, and they would often find themselves laughing along with her in between her medical appointments. She was a proud and loving mother, sister, and friend, as well as an avid teacher, musician, and collector of all things fascinating — especially knickknacks and sentimental keepsakes.

After meeting Walter Arsenault at Macdonald College, the two married and spent 44 years together, raising children and building a life filled with shared memories and laughter. Although they parted ways later in life, Sandy and Walter maintained a cordial and affectionate relationship, one that reflected her ability to connect with people on a deep and enduring level.

As a teacher, Sandy shaped many young minds during her time at Montague High School and later at Bluefield High School. Her passion for learning—and for sharing knowledge—began early and continued throughout her life. As a child, she experienced nature through camping and fishing with her family. As a university student, she bred fruit flies for a genetics project, and later, as an adult, she kept bees, always curious about how the world worked. During her career, she worked hard to inspire curiosity in her students and to help them think big and ask good questions.

“Sandy solutions” were always part of her charm, as she could troubleshoot almost anything with an uncanny knack for unconventional problem-solving. She was especially skilled when it came to technology and could often be found tinkering with the latest gadgets or helping family members navigate a computer glitch.

Music was her great love, and Sandy’s passion for stringed instruments was evident in her mastery of the guitar, mandolin, and ukulele — and even in her brief but enthusiastic attempts at banjo and fiddle. She loved performing at music parties and in variety shows, never shying away from a stage or a chance to entertain, which even included singing “The Cow Song” to her students each year. She often joked that she was planning to take up the harp next, as she wanted to ensure she’d fit right in with the heavenly choir.

Among her many collections were diecast cars and she had a special affinity for dump trucks — a love that sparked laughter at family gatherings and reminded everyone that the best treasures sometimes come in small, diecast form. She had a deep love for the color purple, a good glass of wine, spontaneous trips, and her collection of earrings was the envy of all who knew her. She also loved puzzles, both for their challenge and for the satisfaction of seeing everything come together in the end.

Sandy was the family historian, the keeper of stories and memories, always with a camera in hand to capture moments that mattered. A photo-editing whiz, she delighted in enhancing and preserving family memories. She also found deep joy in the simple acts of walking along the boardwalk, eating sweet treats, or watching people, boats and dump trucks from her favorite spot in her red chair by the window.

She was also a survivor—from the way she calmly handled an emergency plane landing to the years she navigated health challenges with grace and humor. Even then, she made space for adventure, enjoying meaningful trips to places like Greece, Cuba, and across Canada. In the final chapter of her life, she persisted, overcoming the challenges of travel to take one last mother-daughter train trip to Montreal, revisiting her youth and making more memories together.

Sandy’s love for life was contagious. She was the first to tell you, “Always have a backup — buy two.” She lived this motto daily, embracing each moment with laughter, optimism, and in her insistence on always purchasing the “full-price steak.” She knew how to find joy in the small things and made everyone around her feel like they mattered.

Sandy lived a full life, and in her words, “Make friends with what you cannot change.” We miss her more than words can express, but we take comfort in knowing she’s likely making the angels laugh just as much as she made us. In her memory, the family requests you enjoy a full-price steak, indulge in a sweet treat (don’t forget to lick the wrapper), and perhaps tell a story or two — just as Sandy would have. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she brightened with her infectious smile, endless wit, and generous heart.

Sandy was predeceased by her beloved parents and sister, Diane. She is lovingly remembered by her children Brian, Barry (wife Amber), Blair, and Andrea (Drea, partner Laura), as well as her siblings in Ontario — including her sister Linda (husband David Zinkie), and brothers Robert (Bob, wife Chris Brown, deceased), William (Bill, wife Missy Brown), and Kenneth (Ken, wife Catherine Brown). She is also survived by her extended family across Canada, as well as Walter and his extended family, who were always an important part of her life. She will be greatly missed by her good friend Mike.

Sandy’s Celebration of Life has been postponed due to the weather. It will now be held on Friday, February 13 at the same time. Formal segment from 5-6pm, then drop-in Mix & Mingle/Open Mike from 6-8pm (attendees can attend both or choose one or the other). Sandy requested that attendees wear a token of purple to her Celebration (purple buttons will be available if needed). Her service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person via the following link Livestream. If you experience difficulty accessing the livestream, please call 1-877-895-2739. Donations in memory of Sandy may be made to the PEI Humane Society.

Please click on the following link to hear Sandy singing Song for the Mira.

Please click here to see Sandy on stage at the Confederation Center in 1994 singing Rich Man's Spiritual (Gordon Lightfoot) Confederation Center in 1994.