Sandra ARTHUR

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ARTHUR: Sandra “Sandi” Helen of Brandon, MB passed away suddenly on April 5, 2017 at the age of 60 years. Sandra was predeceased by her parents Philip and Maureen Arthur and is lovingly remembered by her siblings Donna Arthur (Maurice) and Cathy Arthur; niece Ashley Hutchison (Justin) and children Kiara and Abby; and nephew Steven Hutchison. Sandra was the eldest of three daughters born to Philip and Maureen on May 26, 1956 and grew up on the family farm in Oakner. Her early years of education began in a two-room school in Oakner, then moved on to Hamiota school in grade six. She graduated from high school in 1974 and enrolled in Brandon University to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, receiving her Bachelor of Education. Sandra’s first teaching position took her to Northern Manitoba. She spent three years teaching in Lynn Lake where she formed an unbreakable bond with co-workers, community members and students. These bonds remained strong to this day. After leaving Lynn Lake, Sandra continued her teaching career in Rossburn and finally settled in Brandon in 1981 where she held a variety of positions at several schools. She was an innovative teacher and a very respected colleague. Her willingness to help and patience were admired and she became a mentor to many beginning teachers. Sandra loved to travel and vacationed with friends as much as she could including a backpacking trip across Australia in 1984. In 1991, Sandra combined her love of teaching and her passion for travel into one great adventure when she was accepted as an exchange teacher to Glasgow, Scotland. Once again she developed and maintained life long friendships with colleagues and students and relatives. She had returned several times to visit her Scottish friends and they reciprocated by coming to visit her in Canada. Sandra was a very special aunt to Steven and Ashley, and in time became a special “GREAT” aunt to Kiara and Abby. She spoke lovingly of them all and could not be more proud of their accomplishments. Sandra retired from teaching but maintained a connection to education by supervising student teachers. She also was a substitute teacher and tutored students until the last day of her life. She touched the lives of many people and left an everlasting impression through her love of teaching and inspiring the love of learning. Sandra kept busy with her scrapbooking projects for her great nieces, bridge club with friends and recently a book club. To everyone who knew Sandra, she was a modest and humble person. She never wished to be in the limelight or expected accolades. She was kind, understanding and patient and greatly loved by her family. She was a dear friend to many and will truly be missed by all who knew her. As per Sandra’s wishes a private family graveside service was held April 13 at Hamiota Cemetery. Memorial donations, if so desired, may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to any library of one’s choice.“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”Messages of condolence can be shared at www.campbellfuneralhome.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 20, 2017