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Sandra Scanlan

Image by Nick Andréka

SANDRA “SANDI” ANNE SCANLAN

December 20, 1948 – August 9, 2024

In both grief and loving remembrance, we share the loss of Sandra “Sandi” Anne Scanlan, whose kind and gentle spirit blessed our lives, and those that passed before her, until her passing on August 9 at the age of 75.


We will honor Sandi's wishes that no formal service be held. 


She was predeceased by her mother Gertrude Penner (Langman); father George Penner; sister Judy Penner; as well as her much loved animal companions, Cheyenne, Bandit, Jackson, and Abbey. 


She will be missed by her son Brent and wife Rebecca; her three grandchildren, Emma, Camille, and William (and their brilliant, loving mother Marie-Eve Nadeau); and her brother George Penner. And truly above all, her husband of 50 years Rick Scanlan, her anchor and source of unlimited love and care for every single minute of it; perhaps never more than the challenging six months that preceded her sudden death. Their marriage represents not only the loves their individual lives, but also a celebration of a single lifetime shared and co-inhabited to a degree few of us will ever know. 


Sandi enjoyed the occasional grand travel adventure, from a honeymoon in Hawaii (featuring Rick's parents!) to a lifelong dream to see the tulip fields in Holland, to an overnight train to Churchill during the midnight sun. 


But her spirit was most at peace with the quieter pleasures of life: visiting and hosting her adoring and adored grandchildren, walking her dogs in Fraser's Grove park, pursuing a passion for lifelong learning and language, flipping through a beautifully illustrated cookbook, creating lovely cross-stitch gifts, attending a play at MTC or the fringe festival, ducking in fear when a bird was in the general vicinity, cheering on the Goldeyes in person or through the radio, curating themed gift boxes for her grandchildren that never failed to absolutely delight, listening to classical music on the radio, or watching a British comedy or mystery on TV. 


You might find her doing this while relaxing in their veranda on a warm summer evening, or in front of a wood fire in their cozy basement during the dark winter months, perhaps enjoying a cold glass of cider, or a hot cup of tea, the 'nectar of the gods' as she would say.


Sandi was a thoughtful and sensitive soul, exceptionally intelligent, who delighted in seeing others happy and felt their pain deeply. She showed unconditional love to all her family throughout their lives, from her grandchildren as newborn babies, to her own parents as they faced the challenges of their own old age. And we promise to continue that as we carry her love in our hearts to pass along to the soon to be born baby who will be her fourth grandchild. 


Sandi loved being called 'Grandma' whatever the context or situation, so we say, 


“Goodbye and thank you Grandma, we love you!”


Sandi’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Con and Judy Scanlan

November 18, 2024 at 10:55 AM

A beautiful everlasting tribute for Sandy ;never forgotten. Everyone who were part of Her life will cherish all the memories.

Josie Penner

September 12, 2024 at 4:38 PM

Sandi and I grew up together, kind of. Our mothers were sisters, Sandi would come for holidays every summer. We had many fun play times. Sandi's lively imagination livened up our play! Once in a while we were 'mad' at each other and lay in bed facing away from each other but that never lasted long. Our ways parted somewhat as we grew older but in later years we would get together different times and have a good old chat again. We liked to talk about celebrating World Chocolate Day which could be celebrated any day of the year, we thought. I will miss this dear cousin.

Luella Stephens

September 12, 2024 at 10:15 AM

I have fond memories of my friend Sandi over the years.  We had a lot in common.  Living close by each other, we would walk our dogs together in Fraser’s Grove; Sandi also organized play dates with her beloved Abby and my larger Bouvier, Brugge.  We both have a son close in age, living in Ontario, whom we both missed.  Sandi was such a proud and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and always had photos to share with me.  She always looked forward to her visits with her son and family in Toronto or visits from them in Winnipeg.  Being an avid reader, Sandi frequented the Henderson Library and scoured bookstores to find books for her precious grandchildren.  Sandi would “light up a room” with her smiles and chuckles!  She brought this positive outlook to our Tai Chi for Arthritis classes at Good Neighbours Community Centre, while  trying to balance and perfect our movements.  But the most special memory goes back to November 2005, when few had cellphones.  I was out very early on a Sunday morning on a quiet, deserted street.  I did not see the black ice on the road, and fell very quickly, which resulted in a compound fracture of my left ankle, with my foot facing backwards!   Rick and Sandy were out walking their dog, turned the corner and found me lying on the street.
> While Rick ran for help, Sandi stayed with me and covered me with her winter parka.  I was in shock but do remember her kindness and calm soothing voice, telling me  that help was on the way.  She really helped save my life, and stayed with me until my family and the ambulance arrived.  She was such a giving person!  I will miss her.

Valerie Melnyk (Langeman)

August 17, 2024 at 8:48 PM

Sandi (I knew her as Sandra) was my cousin. She was 4 years older than I. One thind I remember from many years ago was how quicckly she could read a book - it amazed me.I bumped into Sandra at the Henderson Library and once at the Fringe Festival. Another thing I remember was how Sandra wanted to celebrate her birthday in the summer instead of being so close to Christmas. I remember tobogganing down the riverbank at the family house in Headingley..

Rob & Wanda McConnell

August 17, 2024 at 1:15 PM

We have been neighbours with Sandi and Rick for years and are really saddened to hear of her passing. We worked with them both on numerous block parties over the years. She was a very nice lady and will be missed.

Marcia Stadnyk

August 17, 2024 at 1:12 PM

I don't think I've ever seen Sandi without a smile. We met her through Dave & Cheryl & her many stops to the library. Our condolences to you and your family.

Don & Marcia Stadnyk

Cara (Davidson) Windle

August 17, 2024 at 11:20 AM

Ian and I were sad to hear about Sandi's health challenges and sudden passing. We remember her as a kind smiling friendly accepting person. Our condolences Rick and family

Cara (Davidson) Windle

August 17, 2024 at 11:20 AM

Ian and I were sad to hear about Sandi's health challenges and sudden passing. We remember her as a kind smiling friendly accepting person. Our condolences Rick and family

Linda Horodecki

August 17, 2024 at 11:16 AM

I was Sandi's friend and neighbour, and absolutely loved all the time that we spent together. We attended many cultural events, shared recipes and meals and simply enjoyed friendly interludes. She was a long-distance grandmother, as am I, and I took on her practice of sending packages to grandchildren. She indeed was a gentle and kind person and I will miss her greatly.

Kenneth Meadwell, Professor Emeritus, UW

August 17, 2024 at 10:18 AM

Sandi took French literature courses with me at the University of Winnipeg. A gentle and sensitive soul, she was a delight to have in class, keenly interested in literature and in the French language, with intelligent and at times humorous comments about the works we were studying. And about life.

It was a pleasure to have known Sandi.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to Sandi's family. I am sure that she will be missed as much as she was loved.

 

 

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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