December 19, 1943 to April 18, 2021 77 years

Sandra Gail was born near Venn on the family homestead to Raymond and Ada Carlson.  December 19 was the night of the school Christmas concert and Ada caused some excitement when she needed the mid-wife, who was leading the concert! Sandra was one of 11 children and had 7 brothers and 3 sisters. Sandra began her education at Boulder Lake school, then went to the Venn school and graduated from high school in Watrous. She was a natural at school, completing a couple grades in one year.

Sandra married Howard Snell September 9, 1960.  Howard and Sandra had 5 children, David, Susie, Darryl, Curtis and Ward.  They moved out to the Snell family farm in 1966 where they remained until 2018 when they moved into Watrous. Sandra managed the home and garden while finding time to keep the farmers fed, sometimes dragging all 5 kids to the field with the meals.

Once Sandra’s own children left the nest, she continued to babysit and provide compassionate, nurturing care to many families.  The Schaans, Engles, Westbys, and Edigers will all likely have a babysitting story to tell about how Sandra helped with caregiving.  She was a loving and caring person and enjoyed watching the children grow for nearly 20 years.

Howard and Sandra always grew a massive garden.  Even when they moved off the farm, Sandra continued that tradition, borrowing a neighbour’s plot, in addition to her own garden space.  She was generous with her garden, providing produce to all who needed.  Sandra canned vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and beans as well as made jam.  Her dill pickles are heralded by her grandchildren, who are now spoiled and won’t eat anything but.

Sandra loved word games of all kinds.  She wouldn’t hold back in Scrabble and looked forward to the Saturday cross-word puzzle in the weekly paper.  She completed many jigsaw puzzles over the years, one her favorites was a puzzle of the farmhouse, which is hanging in the living room of the house in town.  Sandra enjoyed crib and other card games as well.

Sandra’s family would like to thank Dr. Choudhary, Health care nurses and staff and the many family, friends and neighbors for their care and support during this difficult time.

Sandra is pre-deceased by her parents Raymond and Ada; father in-law and mother in-law Bert and Mildred; son in law Sean; sister Trish; brothers Robbie, Ricky, Ross and Glenn; brothers in-law Lou and Vic; brother and sister in-law Robert and Elaine.

Sandra is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Howard.  Her children: David (Corina), Susie, Darryl (Sheila), Curtis (Marla), Ward (Kyla) and many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; Siblings Ken(Joan), Pearl, Alan(Marilyn), Deanna, and Hugh(Cheryl) as well as sisters in law Anne, Betty and Nelda.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Venn Cemetery or Watrous Community Health Foundation.

As per Sandra’s request a Private Family Interment will held at a later date.