Cochrane Country Funeral Home

November 22, 1968 – March 27, 2022

It is with great sadness that Sandra left us to go onto the next step of her journey in the early morning hours on March 27. Sandra had a big heart that was always full of love, compassion, welcome and joy, and she lit up every room that she entered. She loved with her whole heart and never held anything back. Family was everything to Sandra (of blood or heart), especially her nieces and nephews who meant the world to her. 

Sandra will be lovingly remembered by her husband and soulmate of over 30 years, Jason, as well as her mother Joan (Schneider), and her two dogs, Autumn and Whiskey. She leaves behind many who will miss her dearly, including nieces and nephews Sarah (Spencer) Tomlin, Curtis (Kelly) Todd, Travis (Meg) Todd, Kevin (Melissa) Todd and Nicole Todd; six great nieces and nephews; as well as extended family and close friends. Her light and legacy will shine on forever through them. She is also survived by her sister Karen and her brother Gordon (Cathy). Sandra is predeceased by her father, Raymond.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Joan and Ray Todd, Sandra shared a special bond with her parents that lasted her entire life. Much like her father, she was always clear on her opinions. Her fiery feistiness made its presence known when needed, but it was always grounded from a place of love.

Sandra’s passion for the outdoors came early as the family moved to an acreage just outside Winnipeg when she was four and later spent as much time as possible at the family’s cabin at West Hawk Lake. Sandra was happiest when she was out in nature, whether it be waterskiing, driving the boat, swimming, walking, skiing, hiking, camping, or snowmobiling. She loved sharing good food and wine with friends and family, whether at West Hawk, the seasonal site at St. Malo or most recently, the seasonal site at Gleniffer Lake. 

As a child, Sandra spent her time helping at the acreage, attending 4H club, and playing with her first fur baby, her dog ‘Licorice’. Her compassionate and caring nature was shown at an young age:  Joan remembers a time when she was ill after getting home from shopping, and little Sandra – only seven – made numerous trips to the car to empty it of groceries and put the ice cream away for her mom. Her love of country music came early when she attended her first concerts of Hank Snow and Johnny Cash with her mom and dad – but make no mistake, she has no love for Slim Whitman (“can we PLEASE go home now”). Sandra was tenacious when it came to achieving a goal and it wasn’t long until she made Jason a convert!

The family moved back to Winnipeg in 1983, where she finished high school. As friends moved away or became busy, Sandra appreciated every time they got together, and everything they ever did. She was always supportive and there for anyone who needed her.

Professionally, Sandra was passionate about being an optician. She worked across Canada throughout her career, teaching, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of contact lens fitters. She was a leader in her profession and generous with her time, often going above and beyond for her students and clients; many of Sandra’s former students give her credit for the opticians they are today. Her contributions to the field will be remembered by many.

Sandra met the love of her life, Jason Blanchette, in 1991 while working in her optical career in Winnipeg. Not immediately taken with Jason (commenting to Joan about the guy who kept bugging her), it took Jason some time to wear her down. On Sandra’s last day at the job, Jason asked her out. She agreed but on conditions: ”my mom’s making meatloaf so you’re not taking me to dinner but we can go to a movie.” This began a 30-year “duck and weave” dance for Jason with this spitfire of a country girl, but they shared every milestone, challenge, and joy together hand in hand.

In 2014, Sandra and Jason moved to Niverville where they built a very strong, close community with their church and neighbours. In 2018, they moved to Cochrane for job opportunities and to be near old friends, where they could look out at the mountains from their backyard. 

Sandra brought many lovely qualities and talents to life. She was kind, respectful, loving, and a friend to just about everyone she met. First and foremost, Sandra had a great sense of humour and her loud, verbose and contagious laugh would draw attention. Often, patrons at other tables in restaurants couldn’t help but join in even though they had no idea what they were laughing about.

Her creativity took many forms: crocheting, knitting, photography, scrapbooking, painting and most recently, colouring and lego creations. Most of all, Sandra loved animals, but especially her dogs – they were her heart and soul. Not only their two current fur babies but also the three previous rescues (Indy, Delta, Blaze) that were given the best lives possible by her and Jason. While stunning when dressed up, Sandra was happiest in her tights and flannel shirts, curled up with her dogs. Sandra became a voracious reader as an adult, devouring books and joining book clubs. She also loved new experiences and to travel with Jason and friends; they traveled to New York, Vegas, and multiple cruises around the Caribbean – to name a few.

Quietly spiritual, Sandra had a very close relationship with God. She showed her love in many ways, being intimately involved with her religious community, giving her time and talent to share her faith. She knew where she was going, and “although sad to leave this life, I will be very happy to meet my Saviour.”

Sandra bore the challenge of a chronic health issue most of her adult life with positivity, patience and inner strength. She was a fighter, and rarely showed how her illness impacted her day-to-day life. This spirit continued through her recent cancer diagnosis, doing everything she could to try to stay with us as long as possible. Alas, it was not to be and we are devastated to lose her so soon. While happy she is out of pain, Sandra has left a hole that is impossible to fill.

Jason and the family thank the many individuals who helped ease Sandra’s journey through life. Special thanks to those who gave care with her recent illness at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre:  Unit 2 (radiation), Unit 46 nursing staff, doctors of the oncology department and the pain clinic team.

There are few words to express the deep pain and sorrow of losing such a beautiful person, inside and out, and one who made such an impact on those around her. God needed our sweet Sandra for something and couldn’t wait. We know she is above us and was greeted by her father and many happy barks and wagging tails. Sandra, you are so loved but never forgotten; you will remain always in our hearts.

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A Celebration of Sandra’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Fourth Avenue Bible Church, 62 Fourth Avenue S, Niverville, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Sandra’s memory to one of the following charities or one of your choice:

• Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue
• Spirit of Hope Rescue
• The Tom Baker Cancer Centre through the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 780-432-8500, albertacancer.ca/in-memory

Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039