SANDRA MARY HEWLKO (SANDI)

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SANDRA MARY HEWLKO

Mom passed away on March 7, 2023, at Grace Hospice, supported and surrounded with love in the preceding weeks by her partner Barrie Kjernisted and their families, friends and loved ones.
Sandra Mary was born January 7, 1950 in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba to Harvey John Rowat, 50 and Ellen Rowat (nee Cameron), 49. Mom grew up with her nieces and nephews who were like siblings as they were so close in age. An excellent drummer, mom carried on the family tradition of playing in the Gilbert Plains Band, and at one point the Rowat family could boast of three generations playing in the band.
"Sandi" as she was known by her nursing friends and colleagues, graduated as a registered nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1971 and was immediately employed at this Hospital. Mom would work as a nurse, primarily in Labour and Delivery in Winnipeg, MB as well as general nursing in Arborg, MB and Stonewall, MB for over 30 years.
Sandra married Larry Hewlko in 1971 and they had three children and four grandchildren: Christie Hewlko (Mike Field) and their daughter Dylan; Cory (Tracy) Hewlko and their children, Lola and Liam; and Shannon Hewlko (Cary Bohnet) and their son Teddy.
Over the past 20 years, mom and her partner Barrie have enjoyed spending time with their friends and family, including Barrie's four children and their growing families: Tracey Sicotte (Monty) and children, Sophie, Tyson and Cooper; Glen (Jena) and children, Lincoln and Adley; Ryan (Heather) and children, Jase, and Xander; and Shane (Chrissy) and children, Brady and Trevor.
In addition to her children, grandchildren and extended family, Mom is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Joan Rowat, her niece, Shannon Rowat and many more nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Phyllis Rowat.
Throughout her life, mom established lasting friendships and is remembered as a respected and compassionate nurse and caregiver, caring for her mother and her auntie Sue in their later years. Mom had a wonderful sense of humour and supported others through tough times. Throughout her own life challenges family and lifelong friends did our best to return the love, patience and understanding she so graciously showed to us all in our early years.
Mom's strength, kindness, compassion and selfless love live on in her children and all of those she held dear over the years.
A service of remembrance will be scheduled for the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations in mom's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2023