St Catharines mourns the loss of councillor Sandie Bellows
Published October 12, 2021 at 12:35 pm
The St Catharines’ community was stunned with the passing of Niagara Regional Councillor Sandie Bellows yesterday.
After serving as a St Catharines councillor from 2014 to 2018 then making the jump to regional council in 2018, Bellows succumbed to what her family described as a “brave battle against cancer” Monday (October 11) night.
St Catharines mayor Walter Sendzik touched both briefly on her past and present life in remembering her.
“Our community lost an amazing woman with the passing of Sandie Bellows. Such a beautiful person,” said Sendzik. “She was a survivor in the truest sense. She overcame so much with courage and grace. As a regional councillor and former City of St Catharines City Councillor, Sandie was one of the most hard working councillors, always looking out for her residents.”
“I will miss her smile, her positive energy, her belief in the best of people, her team approach to everything. She was loved by many people – including me and my family. My thoughts are with her family,” he concluded.
Bellows became best-known as a public speaker for victims rights after being kidnapped in 1990 and then being raped and nearly killed by her abductor.
St Catharine MP Chris Bittle expressed his remorse, saying “St Catharines has lost a community leader. Sandie Bellows was a Regional Councillor, but more importantly a champion for St Catharines.”
“She was a person of incredible strength – a survivor who used her experience to advocate victims of sexual violence in Niagara and across Canada. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldiselli also paid tribute, saying yesterday, “So sad to learn this morning of the passing of a good friend, Sandie Bellows. I have had the pleasure of working with some truly incredible women, and Sandie was among the best. She was community minded, determined in all that she took on, loyal, fun loving and above all else, kind.”
Bellows, who leaves two sons behind, was also currently serving as the Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission.
