Obituary of Denise Irene Sands

“Some people will be dancing in the flames of their pain and still send sparks out to light the way for others.”
Trudi Jane

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Denise Irene Sands (nee March) on the evening of Saturday September 9, 2023. Denise was so loved and will be deeply missed by her husband, Blair Webster, her three children Scott, Samantha (Brendon) and Nicole (James), her three step-children Kelley (Kate), Stephanie (Josh) and Alexandra, her grand-daughter Rosalie, her two English Bulldogs Maggie and Beau, her two brothers Michael (Cathy) and Steven, her many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, as well as the many colleagues and members from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the Ontario Public Service. Denise was pre-deceased by her mother Linda Mae March (nee Daley). 

Denise was born on November 28, 1967 and was a life-long resident of the City of London. After completing her education at Fanshawe College, she began her professional career with Community Living London (CLL). During her time at CLL, she became a strong advocate in the developmental services community and for workers rights. This dedication led to a Staff Rep position with the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) where she tirelessly continued her advocacy and support for OPSEU members for the past 15 years. 

For the many that knew Denise outside of work, she was just like her mother. Very caring, giving and always willing to feed anyone who visited her house. They were both firecrackers who always stuck up for the underdog. Denise was an incredible mother and adored her three children. She was so proud of all their great accomplishments and the outstanding young people that they grew up to be. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 23, 2023 from 12:00-5:00pm at the OPSEU office in London, 1092 Dearness Drive. Blair, Scott, Samantha and Nicole invite everyone to join us in celebrating and sharing in the great life of Denise – A Great Woman Who Has Left Us Far Too Soon. Your presence and support during this time will help us all get through this extremely difficult period. As with anything that involved Denise, there will be plenty of food and drink. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the London-Middlesex Humane Society new building program in Denise’s honour. More information can be found on the Humane Society website or at www.newhomenewhope.ca .

A very special thank you to all the First Responders from London-Middlesex for their service, dedication and how they cared for Denise on the nights of August 7 and September 9. We greatly appreciate your professionalism and everything you did.