Obituary of Sandra Lynne LITZENBERGER (nee Bessel)

August 26, 1945 – Langenburg, Saskatchewan
March 11, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Sandra Lynne Litzenberger of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the age of 75 years.

Sandra was born in Langenburg, Saskatchewan on August 26, 1945. She lived in many places throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba finally settling in Calgary in 1974. She loved Calgary and all its unique “haunts” as she used to call them. 

Sandra was a member of the several organizations during her career but her favorites were aviation related. Of course, Mom was involved heavily in all her girls’ activities and was loved by all as Brown Owl and second Mom to the students at work and children involved in the groups her girls were involved in. Even as recently as last week, individuals who knew Mom through work forty years ago were reaching out to her. 

She will most be remembered for her ability to make whomever she was speaking to feel important as this was her special gift.   Putting a smile on everyone’s face was always her goal. 

Sandra accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of supporting her children to reach their goals. 

Sandra had many pastimes she enjoyed. Her two primary passions were quilting and “reconstruction”. She was always watching remodeling shows and thinking about how she would change this or that in all our homes.  

Other activities which were important to her were jigsaw puzzles, gardening, canning, visiting Heritage Park and reminiscing what items were similar to what her grandparents had in their homes, and of course touring the antique and second hand stores searching for treasures.

One of her happiest moments was when she found a plate and tea cup set in an antique store that had her grandfather’s hotel and store name and date on it. It had been a promotion that he had given to his customers as a thank you.

Sandra’s most memorable vacation was for her 65th birthday celebration. Her and her girls took the Rocky Mountaineer Train through the mountains out to Vancouver, British Columbia. She had planned to complete the journey across Canada by train with her girls.   

Sandra is survived by her two daughters and one son-in-law, Dawn West (nee Litzenberger), Rhonda Litzenberger, and Aaron West of Calgary, Alberta; one granddaughter, Penelope Lynne West, of Calgary, Alberta. 

Sandra is also survived by her sister Valerie Bangsund (nee Bessel) and brother-in law Darryl Bangsund, and her brother Wesley Bessel and sister-in-law Gloria Bessel (nee Biley) all of Langenburg, Saskatchewan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sandra was predeceased by her parents, Ruth Bessel (nee Schoepp) and Erwin Bessel; and her grandparents, Frieda Schoepp (nee Scholz) and Louie Schoepp, and Margaret Bessel (nee Mueller) and Julius Bessel.

A Memorial and Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Sandra’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Sandra’s name can be made to SAIT or the Meow Foundation at https://www.meowfoundation.com.  All SAIT donations will be directed to SAIT’s Student Emergency Fund. Please make a note on the cheque’s memo line “In Honour of Sandra Litzenberger”. Please make the cheque payable to: SAIT, Attn: Accounts Receivable MC201, 1301-16th Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4. sait.imodules.com/rememberingsandra.  

In living memory of Sandra Litzenberger, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.