SANDRA KOCH-GENSIOREK

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SANDRA KOCH-GENSIOREK

With broken hearts, the family of Sandra Koch-Gensiorek announce her passing on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Sandra will be deeply missed by Dan and Vanessa; her sister, Judy (Marcel); Ivan(Roan) ;

Bryce (Kiera); as well as her aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins.

Sandra was predeceased by her sister, Darlene; her brother, Randy; her father, Frank; and her mother, Lena.

Sandra was born in Ashern, Manitoba, and grew up in the communities of Moosehorn, Hilbre, and Lake Francis. She was never one to fit the stereotype of a "girly girl." Instead, she could often be found playing cops and robbers, road hockey, snowmobiling, or even earning her hunting safety certificate. She also looked forward to trips into Winnipeg to spend time with her extended family.

Sandra graduated from Warren Collegiate in 1976. After working a few temporary jobs, she moved to Winnipeg in 1977, where she was employed as a switchboard operator with MTS and later at the Holiday Inn. In 1980, she accepted a similar position at the Winnipeg Clinic. It was during this time that she met her future husband. However, before Dan, there was another great love in her life—Bobby Orr; along with the first car she proudly purchased, a 1977 Dodge Colt.

Sandra and Dan were married in 1987, and in 1989 they relocated to Thompson, Manitoba. They enjoyed spending time at Paint and Setting Lakes and took memorable trips to Flin Flon and Churchill to see the beluga whales. During their years in Thompson, Sandra formed many lasting friendships and participated in curling, snowmobiling, and mixed slow-pitch softball.

Sandra was passionate about helping others and dedicated countless hours to her community. She volunteered as a board member with the Thompson Crisis Centre and served on the Youth Restitution and Reconciliation Committee. Professionally, she worked with Child and Family Services, Community and Youth Corrections, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. While balancing her career, she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology from the University of Manitoba in 1991, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work in 1995.



In 1993, Sandra and Dan moved to Brandon, where she continued her career with Child and Family Services, Community Mental Health, and Income Assistance until 1997.

Following the birth of their only child, Vanessa, Sandra stepped away from her career to embrace motherhood. She was a devoted, hands-on parent, actively involved throughout her years in daycare, elementary school, and junior high. She served on parent councils and liaison committees with the Brandon School Division, always committed to supporting Vanessa ‘s education as well as the community.

In 1999, Sandra joined the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities as a Children's Rehabilitation Counsellor, where she found great fulfillment working alongside children and their families.

In 2010, she accepted a position as a Social Worker at the 7th Street Access Centre. There, Sandra's genuine compassion, caring nature, and easy-going personality allowed her to connect with clients and colleagues alike. She valued a collaborative team approach but never hesitated to advocate independently when she believed it was in a client's best interest. Her lifelong interest in the justice system even led her to consider pursuing a law degree. Instead, she took on the role of Community Liaison with the Brandon Correctional Centre and volunteered with the John Howard Society. Sandra was proud to be part of the committee that helped establish the Safe and Warm Shelter in Brandon.

Sandra believed strongly in lifelong learning. In addition to meeting the educational requirements of the Manitoba College of Social Workers, she continually pursued professional development through workshops and educational opportunities, always striving to expand her knowledge and better serve those around her.

Outside of her career, Sandra enjoyed creative writing, photography, and reading non-fiction. She was an avid Winnipeg Jets fan dating back to the WHA days and proudly belonged to the team's Booster Club. Despite coming from a family of golfers, Sandra was the only one to achieve a hole-in-one, accomplishing the feat at Harbour View Golf Course. She also enjoyed music from the 1950s and 1960s, along with classic country artists such as Stompin' Tom Connors, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Vince Gill.

One of Sandra's favourite childhood memories was going for Sunday drives with her family, a tradition she later continued with Vanessa. She also enjoyed curling at Riverview Curling Club and generously volunteered during both the Tournament of Hearts and the Brier.

Family vacations often included travelling by plane, train, or automobile. Sandra explored many of Canada's major cities, from Victoria to Ottawa. In the spring of 2024, she fulfilled a longtime wish by visiting Parry Sound, Ontario, the hometown of her childhood hockey hero, Bobby Orr. She also travelled to Florida, North Dakota, and Minnesota and always enjoyed visiting closer-to-home destinations such as Souris, Boissevain, and especially Rivers.

Sandra's kindness, compassion, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to helping others touched countless lives. She will be remembered not only for the work she did, but for the genuine care and friendship she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of Sandra's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandra's memory may be made to the Samaritan House Safe and Warm Shelter.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 15, 2026