We Remember
DAHLGREN, Sandra (nee Keller)
—
Passed away January 7, 2016. Sandra is survived by her husband Wayne of 49 years, daughter Leanne Scott (Paul) (Ronan and Elin), daughter Tanya Cunanan (Vince) (Nyla and Neve), two sisters Joanne Charleson (Dave), Linda Martin (Murray) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Sandra was born in Canora, Saskatchewan August 1, 1946 to parents John and Jennie Keller and grew up on a small farm in the Stenen district. She attended local one room schools and high school in Canora. She attended University in Regina, SK and Denver, Colorado ultimately achieving a Master of Education Degree. Sandra began her career as a teacher leading her to become the first female Director of Education in Saskatchewan. She ran a Western Canadian summer camp for gifted and talented learners for 4 years. She operated a successful home Usana business for 19 years.
Sandra and Wayne moved to Kelowna in December 2014.
She was a wonderful friend to many as well as a mentor and a fabulous role model for women. Sandra’s warm personality and cheery smile were trademarks of her interactions with colleagues and friends.
To Sandra home and family were always first. Her pride in, love, and welfare of her daughters and her grandchildren was always forefront. Her home was the focus of many family gatherings, but the most meaningful was her 12 course Ukrainian Christmas Eve meal. She loved gardening and promoted the consumption of organic food. Sandra’s Ukrainian background was reflected in the kind of food prepared in her home as well in the amount. Everyone was welcome and usually left with some food for their home.
Sandra had an incredible will to survive. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990 and combatted the disease for 25 years. She never offered her burden as an excuse, but educated herself in all the ways she could fight it off. She was an inspiration to many who shared the same affliction. She enrolled in many research projects to gather knowledge which could protect her daughters, granddaughters and other women from the ravages of cancer in the future.
Her passing has left an incredible void in the lives of her family. She cannot be replaced but the memory of her deep love, spirituality, inspirational life and guiding example will endure to lead us to live our lives fully and compassionately.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC on Friday, January 15 at 10:00 AM; with prayers the night before at 7:00 PM in Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Interment in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery will be following a lunch at the church. Donations in Sandra’s honour can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Friday, January 15 at 10:00 AM
Location
St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church
Share with Others:
Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of choice. Link: www.cancer.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for DAHLGREN, Sandra (nee Keller) is scheduled for Friday, January 15 at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church
3645 Benvoulin Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Sincere condolences to Wayne, Leanne, Tanya and families. I have lasting memories of Sandra as gifted camp organizer, Director of Education and friend, and all of you as friends. One special memory is Sandra’s quote from her mom about cooking – “Bubble some cream”.
Jerome Renneberg
sorry for your loss
Our sympathies to you Wayne and your family.
My deepest sympathy. Sandra taught me Home Ec in Sturgis. She was a vibrant woman. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to Wayne,Leanne,Tanya and families.
I have many fond memories of growing up in rural Saskatchewan and of my cousin Sandra. She was always fun to be around and even then she was organizing and giving instructions. Little wonder that she became a teacher. Although life took us in different directions, I am glad to have these precious childhood memories.
Wayne and family, so sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing.
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Wayne, Leanne, Tanya and families. We were deeply saddened with the news of Sandra’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending sincere condolences to you Mr.Dalgren and your family. May all your memories give you comfort!
Our condolences to you Wayne and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Dahlgren’s passing. I will always remember her kindness and warm, genuine smile as she kept order of all her rowdy library students at Sturgis comp. I am so sorry Mr. Dahlgren. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My sincere condolences Wayne and family. She will always be with you !
My deepest condolences to The Dahlgren family! I have many fond memories of Mrs. Dahlgren at the Sturgis High School. She always had a wonderful smile! Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
So sad to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mr. Dahlgren, and your family. May you be encouraged by the fond memories you have of your sweet wife and her many accomplishments.
Our warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy to Wayne and family. We are very sad to hear of Sandra’s passing. At this time we can only try to share the sorrow that you feel. May memories you share of brighter days warm your heart and help you face tomorrow.
Wayne and family. Ken and I were shocked and saddened to hear that Sandra had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn your loss but also celebrate the life of a wonderful person. We have many good memories of the work we did together in education in Saskatchewan. Thanks for the opportunity to work with both of you. Our best wishes and condolences to your whole family as your grief turns to the loving memories you will have.
Ken and Helen Horsman
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Wayne, Leanne, Tanya and families – It was with much sadness that we heard of Sandra’s passing. She was a very dedicated, inspirational and courageous lady. I have many fond memories of all of us (cousins) growing up together on the farm and also of the years in Sturgis where our children grew up together. Although we are not able to be with you at this time, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We have so many wonderful memories of our times together. We hope that you too will find some comfort in your memories. We send you our deepest sympathy.
So sorry to hear about Sandra. We will miss her smile and friendly nature. She was very outgoing and always family minded. We had a lot of fun times growing up. Enjoyed the many times we would get together and laugh at what we did. Sandra will be missed by all who knew her.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Wayne and family. Our hearts are with you.
Wayne and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I share your sorrow and have many precious memories of Sandra. Sending you my deepest sympathy.
Vera Chyzowski
Wayne, Leanne, Tanya & families
We were deeply saddened by the news of Sandra’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of my dear cousin, remembering the fun times we spent, growing up together.
May the love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. Our most heartfelt condolences.
Sending thoughts, love & prayers to all of you..
Our condolences to you
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family ! I have many fond memories of working with Sandra !!
Our sincere sympathy to you, Wayne and your family. Sandra has been an inspiration for women in education. We are sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to Wayne and family. Very sorry to hear of the passing of Sandra, she was a special lady and it was a pleasure to work under her leadership .
We were very sorry to read of Sandra’s passing, and we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Wayne and family.
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to Wayne and family Leanne and Tanya and families on the loss of your wife and mother. We had many years of great times with the Dahlgren family in their younger years. Wayne as a great teacher and the girls growing up with our family. We had many good times in Kinsmen, Kinettes, hockey and many community events, Our prayers are with you all. May God Bless you in these times of loss & sorrow. Home is still here in Sturgis.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you, Wayne, Leanne, Tanya & families. What a very sad loss for your family! We have many fond memories of Sandra and your family, from when you lived in Sturgis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Dick & Mavis Morken & family
Thinking of you and your family Wayne. We have missed you both in Saskatoon and so sorry to hear about Sandra.
Dear Wayne, Tanya, Leanne and Families ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. We will always remember Sandra fondly and have so many wonderful memories of many times spent with you all.. May God’s peace be with You. Love The Kellers
I’m very sorry for your loss Wayne.
Wayne, Leanne, Tanya & families,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Dahlgren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My Thoughts are with you Wayne and family she was a wonderful teacher
Dear Wayne, Leanne (Paul) and family, Tanya (Vince) and family, Linda (Murray) and family, Joanne (Dave) and family, additional family members and extended family members.
We learned with sorrow and with sadness of the death of Sandra Dahlgren – dear mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to many. We extend to all of you our heartfelt and sincere sympathy.
We realize the inadequacy of words to comfort you in your great sorrow, but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Just as we have, so to each of you has your own “special thoughts” and “fond memories” of your loved one. Let these “beautiful thoughts” and “rich memories” now help to ease your pain and help to heal your sorrow.
Saying “Good-bye!” to someone who is very special and whom we love so very much is not easy. Therefore, we pray that the unconditional love of God, our Eternal Friend and Father, will surround and touch each and all of you with healing peace now and in the days ahead. May the love, compassion, and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ also be with you to comfort and to bless you.
In the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Long-time friends Juanita (Paul) Juneau (nee Davis) and John Davis (colleague)
Dear family, Another bright light has passed into the Eternal embrace of the Creator – Grace has embraced her, and will, we trust, in the fullness of time, change your sorrowing tears into songs of joy! May she rest among the saints! Vichna Pamyat’! Eternal Memory! Marusia (Nadia’s daughter) and family – Roman, Larisa & Sebastian, and Tatiana
So sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. Although I didn’t know her, I had Wayne as a gym teacher at Sturgis Composite in grade 10, I believe, some 40+years ago. I was and am not a lover of sports, but he made gym time fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Wayne, and your family. Hope to see you July 16 at the Sturgis Composite School 50th Reunion of the Class of ’66.
Mr. Dahlgren, Leanne, Tanya, and families:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Dahlgren was a wonderful lady who has left an imprint on the many hearts she has touched over the years. I truly do remember her being a strong role model for the many women and girls she has worked with, gotten to know and paved the way for. She was a kind hearted, loving, hard-working, welcoming, supportive, and trusting lady who has left so many positive memories for those left behind. I pray that your hearts are filled with the love and support of each other at this difficult time. I know that you will forever remember her and cherish your time together as you celebrate the wonderful life she has lived. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne and family…our deepest sympathy…much love and strength going out to you…………Grace and Paul
Sending warm thoughts and sincere sympathies to Wayne, Tanya, Leanne and famililies. We hope your memories of Sandra and the caring of family and friends will help you through this difficult time. Sandra touched many lives and so she will live on. Tom and Margaret Prekaski
Dear Wayne & Family. I offer my sincere condolences regarding Sandra’s passing. I have fond memories of Sandra organizing the bus trips to convention and of course the trips themselves. It is very difficult to find appropriate words of comfort. Please know that you are in my prayers. May you find comfort and peace in your many memories of Sandra. Don MacFarlane.
I am presently on vacation in Puerto Rico where word has reached me of Sandra’s death. It came as a shock having not been in touch with her for some time. I extend to her parents and family relatives, Wayne, Leanne, Tanya, their spouses and children, my sincere sympathy in the loss of a compassionate, caring woman whose life achievements leave a legacy to be recalled and remembered. May Dear Sandra rest in peace. Her struggle is over. Although I cannot be there for her funeral, be assured of my thoughts and prayers at this time. I was a work colleague of hers in the Saskatoon Catholic School Division. Lynda Browning.
Sandra was a wonderfully warm person who was an inspiration and role model for many. We are deeply saddened by her passing and offer condolences to Wayne and family.
Dear Wayne, Leanne and Tanya. Time and distance apart seem small compared to the time we shared in our intertwined lives and careers. Sandra graced the lives of so many, in the process of realizing her hopes and dreams, sharing her passions, contributing her energy and enthusiasm to worthy causes, and lighting the way to an optimistic future. She was a strong and competent woman, with a committed and compassionate spirit. She leaves a legacy that will inspire us all to leave this world a better place, as she did. Let our beautiful memories of Sandra sustain us.