SANDRA RINGAERT

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SANDRA RINGAERT On June 24, 2009, a beautiful sunny day, Sandra, second daughter of Angus and Margaret Maciver, with family at her side, passed into eternal life. She leaves behind her adoring family; husband Joe, son Ken and wife Debbie, and the apple of her eye, her grandson Joey. Also surviving are: her sister Marianne Davidson; her niece Rozann Pryce; nephew Richard Deneweth and great nephew Neil Pryce. Sandra was born in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, in northern Scotland on May 5, 1929. She immigrated to Canada at the age of five months and despite being a proud Canadian, was fiercely proud of her Scottish roots. The bagpipes and a touch of Gaelic were part of her early life, as were summers at Grand Beach at the family cottage. Mom graduated from Gordon Bell High School and entered Nursing School at the Winnipeg General Hospital, graduating in 1951. This began a lifelong commitment to healthcare, and in particular community health. This is also where she met her lifelong friend Joyce, with whom she formed a special bond for over 60 years. She also met Dad at this time. Mom and Dad married in 1952 moved into their St. Boniface home in 1957 and have been there ever since. The VON became Mom's passion in her working life, eventually becoming deputy director until the time of her retirement. A very proud moment occurred in 1972, when at the age of 42 she got her BN from the University of Manitoba. There was a brief hiatus from the VON as she took a job as an administrative assistant at St. Boniface hospital where she had an active role in the opening of the new E wings in the mid 1970s. Her passion for healthcare was not lost on her family as well, giving Ken and Joey the impetus to follow in her footsteps. Mom loved to travel, seeing her make numerous trips to Barbados, Hawaii, Florida, Europe and the old country . She loved her trips with Joey to Palm Springs and Toronto. She also loved the cottage and spent much quality time there watching Joey grow up. A series of health problems slowly took away Mom's physical ability to be her zesty self, but her stubborn resolve overcame these disabilities and she enjoyed life to the fullest. The last five months were particularly difficult, but with much help, she was able to stay at home until quite recently. Joyce, Rozann, Neil, Roberta, and Jean Marie, thanks for your caring. As well, thanks to the numerous doctors, nurses, aides and home care staff for being so compassionate in difficult times. Mom, you will always be in our hearts, especially when we are at the family cottage Stornoway House . In keeping with Sandra's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Sandra may be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 304-1 Wesley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 26, 2009