Sandra Kamau, a long-serving and dedicated York University employee, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 28 at the young age of 42.
Sandra is known to many in the University community. As part of the York University Bookstore team, she assisted faculty and staff. Sandra was employed at the bookstore for more than 22 years and helped with arranging special gifts, stationery and other items, while also helping students.
“Sandra had a quiet charm and it was always pleasant to ask her for her advice and get her special attention,” said her colleague and friend Steven Glassman, director, Bookstore, Printing & Mailing Services. “Her passing was sudden. We all miss her.”
Glassman said the following excerpt from a tribute page to Sandra best describes her wonderful manner: “People will come and go in your life, but the great ones always leave a footprint on your soul. The memories you share and the time you spend together leaves a mark. It defines you and makes you the person that you are today. The late Sandra [Kamau] was one of these people, always smiling, always kind, always supportive.”
Sandra was originally from Limuru, Kenya and had been living in Toronto for most of her adult life. She leaves her family in Kenya and many friends in Toronto.
Update: A funeral service was to have taken place Friday, Sept. 4 at the Ward Funeral Home (Weston), 2035 Weston Road, Toronto, M9N 1X7, however it has been delayed pending the arrival of Sandra’s brother, who is travelling to Canada from Kenya.
Colleagues and friends should contact Glassman for updates at glassman@yorku.ca.