Obituary of Sandi Shaw

October 14, 1961 - Stratford, Ontario

July 31, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Sandra “Sandi” Shaw, beloved wife of Michael Shaw of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the age of 62 years.

Sandi was born in Stratford ON, and lived in Sudbury, Florida, and Amherst, Nova Scotia. She always considered Nova Scotia to be her true home.

Besides her loving husband Mike, she leaves to mourn, her two sons, Rod and Peter, and her two beloved pups, Charlie and Chester, who were the light of her life. She also leaves behind a close friend, Shannon, whose conversations and text messages provided comfort during her final days. Sandra is also survived by her sister Gerri; stepbrothers, Neil and Craig, sister-in-law Donna and her nephew John.

In true Sandi fashion, she chose to write her obituary, saying, “because I’m not a rubber stamp kind of girl”.

Sandi’s words:

As I reflect on my life, I can honestly say that my kids were my everything. We did everything together, and I made sure to be deeply involved in their lives. I even learned to snowboard at 40, just so I could be with them. I wanted our time together to be filled with fun and joy. My favorite moments as their mom were the simple, silly little things:  snuggling together in bed watching the X-files while eating popcorn and going to baseball games as a family. Our home was always a gathering place for their friends, and I enjoyed being in that space with them, watching them enjoy themselves.

I’ve always believed in the principle of natural consequences- “make your own bed, you have to lie in it”. That’s how I raised my boys. I am so proud of them, and hope they know they have always been deeply loved. My boys have grown into caring, compassionate, and kind men. They care about other people, and that’s important to me.

I have always been a very determined person. That’s probably why I managed to live with cancer as long as I did, I proved the doctors wrong several times. I always loved knitting, and I can honestly say that it was my beloved craft that got me through the hard days….and there were many of them. My life wisdom…. the importance of empathy. Seek out people who are kind and empathetic.

Although I fought hard to stay, I am ready to go believing that I will be reunited with those who were so dear to me. I will again be with Aunt Mable and John, who raised me as their own. They were the most compassionate and empathetic people I have ever known, and I always felt blessed to be raised by them. They were fun, adventurous, hardworking, and kind. I will also be reunited with my biological mother Milly and her husband, Brian. My mother Milly and I were cut from the same cloth, so I know that we’ll be raising hell together. Brian loved me as if I was his daughter. I was blessed to have two sets of parents in my life, and they were both a big part of the person I am today.

It has meant the world to me to have people keep in touch. Even if they couldn’t change my situation, their love and support were invaluable. My advice for supporting someone through their final days, is to reach out, say hello, and make them feel valued.

To my friend Shannon, I love you and will miss you terribly. You will never know how much your text messages and our chats meant to me. It got me through. You were my angel.

Mike, thank you for the fun we had together. The camping trips, spending time with friends, for being by my side in the end, and making sure our puppies will be well cared for and loved. I truly wish you all the best.

Sandi spent her final months at Dulcina where she quickly made herself known and loved. Her presence was both blunt but kind. Sandi was appreciative of everything we did to help her and loved it at Dulcina. Her main request was always to feel a sense of peace. She will be deeply missed.

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

In living memory of Sandi Shaw, 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.