Sandra BLEWETT Obituary

I was so very saddened to learn that Sandy passed away on the 1st January.
I first met her in Folkestone in 1979 during the years when she made such valiant and persistent efforts to swim across the English Channel.I was beyond joyous when she succeeded in 1983.Sandy was one of the most beautiful swimmers I have ever seen and she freely gave of her time and expertise to coach me during my formative years as a marathon swimmer.I shall always be indebted to her for the priceless hours she spent with me in the water and I still have copies of her her arduous training schedules which I always faithfully completed.She was an unselfish, generous, kind and warm hearted friend and I shall always remember her with great affection.I think of her every time I glance at the baby tiger she painted which hangs on my study wall to this day.

Just read the death notice while searching for your achievements. I'm in total shock I am really going to miss you Sas, you are now pain free and in peace, with family .

I was saddened to hear about the death of Sandra. We were in the same class at Cockle Bay School. I was not aware of her remarkable swimming achievements until after her death as they took place after I left NZ in 1976. I have lived overseas ever since. About 6 years ago I visited her at her home in Cockle Bay Road, which was the Blewett home that I knew from the 1960s. I was driving past it and noticed a sign about Blewitt Swimming and realised the house must still be owned by the Blewett family. I attach a class photo from Cockle Bay School. I think Sandra is seated 2nd from right. I am in the front row far left.
Geoff Blake
Kalgoorlie WA
Australia

To my amazing friend with a warm heart and beautiful soul; rest in peace, health and happiness while flying with Gods angels.
I´m sure all your questions have now been answered so you don´t have to wonder/worry anymore.
The bright shine in your eyes and your infectious smile always warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face.
Listening to you share your life´s story with me and others and the joy and pride it gave you is inspiring and testament to whom you are, what you did and how you lived and loved your life and those closest to you and all your swimmers. I know your life wasn´t always a bed of roses but no one´s life is.
I appreciated you and am truly blessed to have been your friend for several years.
I will miss you my dear friend and as sad as it is that you are no longer here, I´m comforted to know you are in a better place and that your memory will live on in those hearts you touched, including mine.
Rest in peace, love and God bless your soul always from your BFF.

Very sad to read that Sandra had past away, many great childhood memories swimming at Cockle Bay Primary and Pakuranga College , we raced together many times and were both in the College Swim team ,managed to win a few short distant races against her but was left in her wake in long distance. Rest in peace Sandra. Chip Langford (nee Dayll Bassett)

We will always remember Sandra through the Mt Wellington Swimming Club. Our three daughters were taught by her and we all have fond memories of our time there. She was certainly an inspiration to all who came in contact with her.
Condolences to family.
Graeme & Flo Varcoe

My Dear Sandra
Was shocked to hear you had passed Now I know why you did not return my calls
Was supposed to pick you up for coffee on 2nd January as we arranged!
Going to miss our chats and laughs.
You were the most kindest genuine loving person and a great friend
You taught us all to swim and I enjoyed working with you at times in the pool.
Your teachings will be missed and most of all you will be missed
Rest in peace, my dear friend
Love always Donna Tommy and Grace McMahon

So sorry to hear this sad news. I spent many swim sessions with Sandra when she worked with my very special students. We had some great conversations
Such a caring special lady. Condolences to her family and friends.

So sorry to hear about Sandra. She was a wonderful coach and gave up a lot of time training me for the Special Olympics World Games in USA in 1995. I still have the team mascot her mother knitted for me to take to America. Thanks to her training, I still swim several times a week.

So sad to read of Sandra's passing. Sandra and I caught up in recent times and as her health deteriorated, our freindship became stronger. With all that Sandra achieved in her life I'm proud to call her my friend. Rest in peace Sandra. Sue and Bernie Drumm.

We worked alongside Sandra for a number of years in South Auckland. Her commitment to water safety and teaching parents as well as children was legendary. She always had a great story to tell and was witty, patient, very kind and enjoyed a good laugh. A great loss to the swimming industry and profession. Thinking of you Kim, Taylor and Jordyn Usher

Sandra had a wicked sense of humour. We both attended Pakuranga College for high school years but as she was two years ahead, did not really know her. But when I started working in Auckland City for an accounting firm - there she was. Rest in peace.

Sorry to hear of Sandra´s passing! I knew Sandra from my teens when I helped in one of her programmes teaching children with disabilities to swim. She was influential in introducing me to the Paralympic movement and we worked together until her health no longer enabled her to classify. Sandra was a strong advocate for fair play and enabling people to achieve their potential. She was generous with her time and knowledge and it was a privilege to work with her and learn from her.

Sandra will be remembered to Kristine as a sister in law, and an aunt to Andrew, sarah and Jonathan, for over 40 years.
Her commitment to her passion, swimming, throughout her life, was a credit to her.
She will be Rey by so many for the many marathon swims, coaching swimmers, disabled swimmers, Olympian and paralymians, along with her community work.
Be at peace.

I first met you when I was very young on a Sunday evening at Takapuna Aquatics Center. And a few years later at Homai a few times a week when I boarded there. You gave me the courage and the attitude I can do anything and yes I did. Ran marathons blind cricket and judo and many more. Even the positivity to apply for my first full time job. But there was also something you might not of realise. When I was with you you made me forget about missing my family as I was boarding out at Homai. You had such great jokes. Thank you for giving energy time and fun to everyone. Rest in peace. You probably wont your probably started a swim school already.

So sad to read of Sandra´s passing. A school friend from Pakuranga College. A wonderful swimmer who gave so much to the sport. Rest in peace.

Swim forever free with the dolphins, Sandra.
You made a difference in so many lives.
Rest in Peace. Mark, Carolyn and Cassia

I am very sad to learn of Sandra's passing. I last spoke with Sandra a few months ago on the phone about her amazing swim from Whangrei to Tiritiri Mtangi island in Auckland. She achieved a lot and gave more as a swim coach and mentor of young swimmers. Thank you for your legacy Sandra.

So sorry to hear this sad news. Sandra was a beautiful person who always put others first. A giver, not a taker. Rest in peace. Now you are with your Mum and Dad.

Very sad to learn of your passing Sandra. I remember the summer days at Parnell baths, in between training sessions. Rest in peace.

Much loved swimming instructor and friend. We are thankful for your time and for the time we where given. Rest well Sandra.

I´m very sorry to hear this sad news. Sandra was my first swimming coach at Mt Wellington Swim Club. I´m grateful for the lessons from this time which have applied throughout my life.
My consolences to Sandra´s family.

Very much respected, loved and missed by her swimming students and families. Rest easy dear Sandra, we were so pleased to see you in December, so special and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are sad and we too wish you were here for the 2024 show

Hi Rick and Christine, our condolences on your sister´s passing. A number of the Tainui Road neighbours are planning an informal Celebration, soon. Len and Judith
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0276627234

Very sad to see this. Rest easy Sandra.

Very sorry to hear of the loss of a great swimmer in the open water a lady that never gave up trying to achieve greatness in the sport of open water she was a pioneer in open water .
Rest in piece
Philip Rush

Norah, Bill and Kevin
Via Dolorosa - The Way of the Cross
Rest In Peace Sandra

You were an inspiration to so many,Rest in peace

Sandra was a much loved resident of Pakuranga Park Village. Her amazing life was a testimony to helping others in need and giving them the strength to face the challenges of life, just as she had done in her own life. May she rest in peace. With condolences to Sandra's family. Helen and Mike Hammond