It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Sandee Westell, on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Sandee dedicated more than four decades of service to St. Michael’s Hospital as a nurse, first caring for patients on the Respirology ward and, for the past two decades, serving as a cornerstone of our Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless patients, families, and colleagues through her unwavering commitment, compassion, and quiet strength.
For many members of our CF community, Sandee was a familiar and trusted voice on the phone and a constant source of support. She approached every interaction with kindness, patience, and genuine care. She was exceptionally conscientious, following through on every detail and ensuring that no patient concern ever went unheard or unaddressed. Her calm, steady presence brought reassurance to patients and colleagues alike, even during the busiest and most challenging moments in clinic.
Though understated in manner, her impact was immeasurable. She was deeply passionate about improving the care and well-being of people living with cystic fibrosis and contributed to numerous quality improvement initiatives over the years, including efforts to strengthen mental health screening and support for anxiety and depression within our program. She also worked closely with the lung transplant program at Toronto General Hospital, with the goal of delivering seamless post transplant care.
Outside of the hospital, Sandee was an avid runner who embraced challenges with the same determination and grace that characterized her professional life. Above all, she was a remarkable nurse, colleague, mentor, and friend. Her dedication to our patients and to the CF community has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us. She will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
We know that many of our patients and families held Sandee in deep affection and will join us in remembering her extraordinary kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication. If you would like to share a memory or message, please feel free to send it to our clinic, and we will ensure that it is passed along to her family.
Our hearts are with her family, loved ones, and all members of the cystic fibrosis community who are grieving this tremendous loss. A private ceremony will be held for immediate family members only.