Obituary of Sandra Dianne MacDonald

SANDRA (SANDY) DIANNE MACDONALD

Sandy, aged 72, passed away quickly but peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Regina Pasqua Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Sandy was born in Toronto, ON on October 11, 1944 to mother Doris Gudmundson (née Laboucane) and father Thorsteinn Gudmundson. Sandy was predeceased by her parents; and brothers, Brian and Mark (Wendy McKenzie). Sandy's life will be celebrated by her lifelong soulmate Wendy Johnson; twin brother Wayne Gudmundson; children, Melody White and William MacDonald (Catherine Robertson); grandchildren, Evan and Connor (twins - father Torry White) and Stirling MacDonald; as well as many, many friends and colleagues.

Sandy grew up in a military family and they lived at many locations throughout Canada. They spent a number of years in Grostenquin, France following the Second World War. Sandy was married to Ken MacDonald on July 1, 1967 and she joyously gave birth to 2 children, Melody and William (Willy). During their marriage, they lived in Dana, SK, Washington, D.C. and North Bay, ON.

Sandy and Wendy met on a picket line in 1980 while helping fight for workers issues and child care benefits. They were both staunch Union supporters and passionate about issues surrounding Womens' Rights and remained focussed on these issues after both moving onto management roles.

Sandy was employed by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and several Governmental Departments as a Human Resources Consultant, until her retirement from the Saskatchewan public service in 2009. She started her career as an administrator and was quickly promoted into other roles due to her natural leadership abilities. Prior to moving out of scope from the Union, Sandy was instrumental in negotiationg a benefits package with management that resulted in positive changes to negotiations and the relationship between the Government, its employees and their representatives.

Sandy enjoyed coffee with the Silver Foxes, golf, reading science fiction, writing and reading poetry, loved art, and also enjoyed a spririted debate with friends and family during dinner parties. Often you could hear "Don't hold back, tell us what you really think Sandy". She was a beloved Auntie to numerous neices and nephews. Sandy always made everyone feel like family regardless of the time or distance between them. They were always a priority to her and she loved them all "to bits".

Sandy and Wendy enjoyed time at their condo in Fort Myers, Florida and had recently sold that property and purchased a home in Kelowna, B.C., so they could spend more time close to their family and grandchildren. They travelled extensively, spending time in Europe, the Mediterranean, and throughout North America.

Public Visitation will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, September 8, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Celebration of Life will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sandy may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK.