OBITUARY: IRIS BANDY, POPULAR GRAVENHURT PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER OF GRADE 3
BANDY, Iris B.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Iris Bandy, 93, on July 13, 2021, at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence (Gravenhurst, Ontario).
She was born on Nov. 3, 1927, at home in the small farming community of Alma Heights, near Thessalon, Ontario, she was the middle child of Mildred and Stirling Proud. She was predeceased by her brothers Ken and Dale Proud.
She will forever be remembered as the loving mother of Susan Murdoch (Ken) and Sherry Smith (Rick).
Iris was a doting grandmother and will be sorely missed by Bryan and Jeff (Hollie) Murdoch, Carly Smith, Kristi (Peter) MacDonald and Lainie Smith (Ben). And by great grandchildren Scout (Lemieux), Edie Iris (MacDonald), Paisley and Brynnley (Murdoch) who are too young to understand how much they were loved by a woman who treasured family.
Iris was the cherished and adored wife of Willard Bandy for 60 years, who predeceased her in 2010. In retirement, they enjoyed travel, winters in Florida, curling, playing bridge and golf.
Iris volunteered, made endless egg salad sandwiches for church functions and tended to their beautiful home and garden.
Iris was encouraged to train as a teacher and will be fondly remembered by those whose hearts and minds she touched. A teacher never really knows how far their influence extends.
She taught Grade 3 at Gravenhurst Public School.
Her kindness, humour and love will never be forgotten. Mom made us realize our self-worth and made us feel important and worthy of her unconditional love. We never, for a moment, felt otherwise.
Mom loved fashion, always had perfect hair, and kept an immaculately clean house.
She and Dad had wonderful friends, enjoyed parties and many “happy hours”. They loved to dance and were very skilled!
It was a privilege, a joy, and a blessing to have Iris as our Mom. We are close as a family because of her. Her Legacy will live on in each of her grandchildren.
We would like to thank the entire staff of Granite Ridge Retirement Residence for the compassionate care shown to Mom.
In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made in Iris’s name to The Imagination Library, Muskoka Chapter, in support of childhood literacy. This pairs well with Iris’s love and passion for teaching children.
https://imaginationlibrary.com/ca/affiliate/ONMUSKOKA/)
Rest in Peace, dear Lady, we love you.
July 22, 2021 @ 10:21 am
What a treat to see a photo of Mrs Bandy although I would prefer under different circumstances. (As I get older I’m getting more sentimental I guess)
I definitely recognize her despite not being certain if she ever was one of my teachers. I have memories of a well spoken very kind woman. Sheri and Susan were friends of my sister, Susan, which likely contributed to my knowledge of their mother. I remember them all well. Having lost both of my parents already, I can empathize with you all. There is never a good time to say goodbye to those closest to you. I hope her memory remains a blessing to all her family. I am so sorry to hear of this; however you can trust your mother likely left any encounter with others better for having been a part of it. Our memories of her are all more lasting as a result.
I’m hopeful my words here help even in the smallest of ways.
I am sorry for your loss.
Kind regards.
John Thomas