Obituary of Sandra Isabel Annesley

ANNESLEY, Sandra Isabel (nee Moore)

December 15, 1939 – Swift Current, Saskatchewan

November 11, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

The Annesley family announce the passing of Sandra Annesley on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the age of 81 years.

Sandra was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on December 15, 1939, the only child of Robert and Anne Moore. Mr. Moore was the publisher of the Swift Current Sun, a weekly newspaper, which he grew to a daily paper over many years. Throughout his working years, Mr. Moore enjoyed having his wife and daughter join him on his trips to Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association annual conventions, and other events whenever possible, thus starting Sandy’s interests in Canadian history and geography. She retained those interests to the end of her life.

Growing up in Swift Current in the 1940s and 50s was not so different than growing up in similar-sized communities anywhere. Like others, Sandy’s family had no choice but to navigate the many challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, experiences which clearly framed Sandy’s practical nature, work ethic, faith in God, and love for humanity.

In 1958, she and life-long friend, Sheila Atkinson, moved to the big city, Calgary, to pursue careers as secretaries.  Thus, they enrolled at a secretarial school, and both found employment in the burgeoning oil patch.  

Shortly thereafter, Sandy decided that secretaryship was not for her, so she decided to go back to school. Her cousin had ventured out to the University of Kansas (KU) and he introduced Sandy there, helping her ease into campus life, complete with the basic rules, advice on which sorority to join, and where she might find accommodation if she decided to live off-campus. Sandy graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Science at the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Microbiology in 1964. 

She then entered, and subsequently graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital program for laboratory technologists in 1966, serving as the valedictorian of the graduating class. This set Sandy on a career path in microbiology, a career she enjoyed for more than forty-five years.

In1966, Sandy met David at a Stampede Party; they were happily married for fifty-four years.

With her wide smile, natural curiosity, generosity, and quick wit, Sandy enjoyed a wide range of friends and interests, and was perpetually looking to expand both the range and depths of her involvements. She was on the Council at Southwood United Church, engrossed in all aspects of the church with a particular interest in outreach programs and worship. She enjoyed introducing newcomers to Canada and the Calgary community, and took great joy in seeing them succeed, build friendships, and create lives here. Sandy was also secretary to the Heritage Bay Condominium Corporation. 

Sandra is survived by her loving husband, David; her two beloved daughters, Barbara Annesley, and Janet Annesley, and son-in-law, Janet’s husband, Erik Langberg.

Funeral Services will be held at Southwood United Church (10690 Elbow Drive S.W, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Sandra Annesley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.