Obituary of Sandra Matilda Verda Handy

July 25, 1938 – Calgary, Alberta

April 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Sandra Matilda Verda (Fraser) Handy of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the age of 85 years.

Sandra was born in Calgary, AB, on July 25, 1938. She grew up in the community of Crescent Heights with her parents, Ruby and Bus. She was later joined by her sister Merle.

She attended Christopher Robin, followed by Balmoral, then Crescent Heights High School, from which she graduated in 1955.

After high school she was off to ‘study’ nursing at CGH (Calgary General Hospital), graduating in 1959. It was during this time she was nicknamed ‘Sam’ and forged many, many lifelong friendships, maintaining those friendships for the rest of her life. Also as a member of the CGH Alumnae, she was proud to have attended all but one of the Annual Alumnae Banquets since 1958. The banquets became the highlight of her year. The final banquet is to be held on May 3, 2024, and she was busy preparing to go.

Sandra married Ken in 1962. In 1963 her daughter Marlis (Marci) was born, followed by her son, Blair in 1968. She loved being a mother of toddlers; she often commented on how little ones were so amazing, as they were learning at lightning speed and had a sense of awe and wonder that only a child can display.

Upon moving to Highland Park in 1967, she soon became involved in the community and over the years she served in many roles; President, Vice President, Board member, and Education Liaison, to name a few. She cared deeply about the people in her community and was an advocate for what she believed in. She was involved in a “Save Nose Hill” campaign and at least one campaign to keep Buchanan open. She was passionate about her causes and fought for what was right. That was a quality she never wavered on, being involved in resident councils and food committees at St. Teresa.

In the late 70s, Sandy started working full-time. Imagine her excitement to get a job so close to home at none other than the local high school. Well, as a Grade 11 student at Fowler, Marci didn't agree. Neither did Blair when he got to Fowler.

Whether working at Fowler or volunteering at Buchanan, she was loved by the kids. Many of the Buchanan kids called her ‘Gramma Apple’.

She was a mentor to some kids in the community too, as she had an open-door policy and took the time to listen.

Sandra accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud of her sister Merle, children, Marlis and Blair; grandchildren, Casey, Carly, and Adam; and she absolutely adored her great-granddaughter, River.

Her most memorable vacations were her trip to Tofino with her friends (who also happened to be sisters-in-law), her trip to Vancouver to celebrate her 65th birthday with Merlie, and her trip to Ottawa.

Sandra’s favourite book was ‘Love You Forever’, followed closely by ‘A Child's Garden of Verses’. She was often heard reciting ‘In winter I get up at night and dress by yellow candlelight…’ Her favourite and most annoying saying, “Holy Toot!”

She will be most remembered for her compassion. She seemed to know exactly what to say in a greeting card.

Sandra is survived by her daughter Marlis, son Blair, grandchildren, Casey, Carly, and Adam; her adored and treasured great-granddaughter River, and sister Merle (Bob). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Sandra was predeceased by her father Cyril in 1966, mother Ruby in 1984, her very special aunt Nancy (Neena) in 1996, and her cousin Harley, her surrogate little brother, in 1999.

A Celebration of Sandra’s Life will be held at Highland Park Community Centre (3716 2 St NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Main Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Board of Education, care of Buchanan Elementary School, 3717 Centre St N T2E2Y2. Please indicate on the cheque “for Buchanan school breakfast program” (tax receipts will be issued for donations over $25) or through https://www.educationmatters.ca/project-matters/buchanan-school/.

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

In living memory of Sandra Handy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.