Obituary of Sandra Lynn MacKay

January 9, 1943 - Regina, Saskatchewan

September 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra Lynn MacKay (nee Reed) on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the age of 80 years.

Sandra, Sandy, Sandy-Lou, Reedie – however she was referred, was the epitome of a big person in a small package. She was a feisty, opinionated, rarely embarrassed, generous, funny, and accomplished educator, who will be so very missed by the many family, friends and colleagues who had the privilege to know and love her.

Born and raised in Regina, SK, Sandra made Calgary, AB her home for the past 55 years.  She is predeceased by her parents, Irma (nee Butler) and Nelles Reed and survived by her brothers, Patrick Reed and Edward (Lorrie) Reed, her sister-in-law, Lynne Fuller (nee MacKay), her three children and their families, many wonderful nieces, nephews and extended family, and an impressive bundle of friends.

Sandra attended the University of Saskatchewan where she obtained a degree in Education, and later completed her Masters of Education through Gonzaga University. An exceptional High School English teacher, and eventual Vice-Principal, in the Calgary Catholic system, Sandra inspired countless students and colleagues throughout her 40-year career, 25 of those years at Bishop Grandin High School.

In 1968, Sandra married her great and only love, Frank MacKay (deceased, 2019), and moved to Calgary where they raised three children: Bill MacKay (Sara Flaherty), Heather MacKay (Paul Boucher) and Carrie MacKay (Colin McGilvery). Sandra was fortunate in her close relationships with not only her children and their spouses, but also with her grandchildren, Jae and Reed Boucher, Jack and Connor McGilvery and Sam, Kathleen and Fiona MacKay. As a grandma, Sandra became an expert selfie-poser, and was a passionate (and loud) cheerleader for her grandchildren in all aspects of their lives. She found a way to attend as many dance and piano recitals, football games and swim meets as possible.

Sandra was a voracious reader, with a soft spot for cheesy romances. She cherished all things family, lunches with her friends, and binge watching the Gilmore Girls.

She formed many close and lifelong friendships over the course of her life and cherished them all. Her children would like to recognize these friendships as a powerful piece of what made Sandra’s life so rich.

Summing up a life in a few paragraphs is a bit of a fool’s errand. If it’s true that a person remains with us as for as long as they’re remembered, the memories that Sandra left with each of us will assure she live on long after we say goodbye. In the end, Sandra died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Sandra’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass and Reception, at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Sandra’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca.

In living memory of Sandra MacKay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.