September 2, 1931 - February 8, 2025
Alexandra Sutton (née Henderson) passed away peacefully, February 8, 2025, in Picton, ON. Alexandra (Sandra) was born September 2, 1931, in Montreal and
spent her formative years there before moving to St. Catharines, Ontario in 1961 to raise her young family. That was followed by stints in Prince Rupert, BC (1981-1991), Prince George, BC (1991-2016) and finally in Wellington, ON for the last nine years of her life.
Sandra was the oldest of the four children of William Henderson of Shotts, Scotland and Mary Henderson (née Murray) of Stornoway, Scotland.
She is survived by husband John; son Robert Murray O’Doherty (Cathy Sproul); son Ross Henderson O’Doherty (Heather Mouldey); daughter, Cindy Mary O’Doherty; granddaughters Meghan and Erin O’Doherty (Braeden Lattanzi); grandsons Luke and Reg O’Doherty; great grandson Rowan and great granddaughter Mila; brothers Joe Henderson (Wendy) and William Henderson (Gisela); sister, Mary Skillings (Balfour); and many nieces and nephews.
Sandra was an exceptional multi-sport athlete who from an early age established herself as one of the best female athletes in the Montreal area while at Montreal West High School and as a member of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA) and Montreal Mercury Athletic Club (MMAC). Although racquet sports eventually became her forte, initially she was also a top Track & Field athlete, competing in the 1948 Olympic Trials and racing against
some of the world’s best sprinters in individual and 440 relay events (as it was known then, 4x100m now). However, Track & Field took a back seat as racquet sports made their way into Sandra’s life. First it was badminton, then squash and finally tennis. With no formal instruction at the root of Sandra’s ground strokes and having picked up the sport of tennis at the ‘late’ age of 30, Sandra quickly grasped the fundamentals and strategy of this life-long sport. Opponents soon found their ‘foe’ to be quick, strong, determined and focused. As the 1960’s and 1970’s rolled on, championship after championship (sometimes 4 in one day!) were being won. In total, Sandra won over 100 titles not only at the local St. Catharines Tennis Club but in cities throughout Ontario and Canada. Her dominance
at the local level only fuelled her appetite for greater competition. Soon Sandra was rising to the top of the ranks in Senior tennis winning numerous National singles and doubles titles. Tennis Canada took note during this time and invited Sandra to represent her country at the ITF World Team Event on numerous occasions including being part of the very first Veteran’s Team Canada ever sent overseas. Her crowning achievement in tennis was receiving the Award of Excellence from Tennis Canada in 2009 for her representation of Canada and for her success worldwide. That was followed by Sandra’s induction into the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Throughout Sandra’s sporting career that spanned seven decades, she epitomized the true meaning of sportsmanship. Not one to take defeat easily, she did so with a smile and a ready handshake. Opponents from around Canada and the world could easily call Sandra their friend and several remained in close contact until her final days. Her legacy of accomplishments is really truly appreciated when you know that Sandra did this while
being a wife, mother, mentor and athlete. Her husband John and children, Bob, Ross and Cindy, will be forever
indebted.
The family extends a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital in Picton, and particularly Cathy Steenburgh, who cared for Sandra and supported her family with such professionalism, kindness, and compassion. There will be no funeral or memorial service held by request. Cremation will be followed by internment with Sandra’s father and mother at the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal, QC. Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
(https://www.pecmhf.ca/)