Sandra Mary Grace Butler (nee Cooke)

Beloved wife to David Butler. Widow of the late David Lunnen (1996) and the late David Pike (1977).

Loving mother of Rory Pike (Moira Sexton) and stepmother to Wade Lunnen (Tina), Cathy Madol [nee Lunnen] (Bob), Greg Lunnen (Carolyn McCormack), Steven Butler (Tracey), and Ava Butler.

Proud nanny to Sarah Pike (Matthew Lovett-Barron) and Victoria Pike (Robert Little), and loving step nanny to Justin Madol (Melissa), Samantha Clarke [nee Madol] (Kevin), Braden Lunnen (Katie Wall), Kristen Lunnen (Kyle Lockwood), David Negrazis (Roxane), Lauren Negrazis (Sergio), and Ashley Negrazis (Sasha) and Jonathan Butler. Great grandmother to many.

Dear sister to Myra Billard (the late George Billard), Glenda Strong (James) and Paula Powell (Bert). Collectively known as CSIS.

Beloved aunt to all the Billard, Strong and Powell families. A much-loved aunt who never missed an occasion or an opportunity to help.

Sandra was born in St John’s Newfoundland to George and Grace Cooke and lovingly raised by them and her very dear Nanny Butt. As an active member of Gower Street United Church, Sandra sang in choir and later went on to grace many choirs throughout her life with her beautiful voice.

Sandra graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1961 and became an educator who inspired and nurtured many young people through her teaching and roles as Vice-Principal and Principal in St. John’s (Booth Memorial), Carbonear (St. James) Hr. Grace (Lawrence Coughlan) and Mount Pearl (Morris Academy). She positively affected many lives and is fondly remembered decades later by her students and colleagues.

Widowed at the age of 36, Sandra demonstrated great resilience by returning to study at the University of Toronto where she earned her Master of Education in 1982 at the age of 41.

Upon retirement, Sandra spent her summers at her PEI cottage with her dear friends in "the field" and her winters in Florida. Sandra welcomed her family for visits every year and provided her grandchildren with countless happy memories with their nanny out East and down South.

Sadly, Sandra was widowed again at the age of 55. She maintained her summer residence in PEI, where she spent every summer, and moved to Guelph, Ontario to be near family. There she was a daily influence in the lives of her son Rory and grand daughters Sarah and Victoria.

Sandra was interested in and cared deeply for everyone. She was respectful and always responsive. She was always there for those she loved, as well as for anyone she met along the way who needed help. Sandra was always one step ahead, on top of everything. While others were still thinking about doing something, she had already completed it.

She was a wife and partner to three husbands, and each of them was one of the luckiest men in the world. Sandra was a daughter, dearly loved, and she returned that love tenfold. She was a sister who cherished her siblings and their families. As an aunt, she made an enormous impact on her nieces and nephews and was much beloved by them.

Sandra was also a wonderful grandmother who treasured her grandchildren and was equally treasured by them. She was a proud mother to her beloved son. Sandra was a friend to so many, always extending her friendship to those in need.

She had an incredible ability to bring out the best in people and always gave her best in return. Sandra loved to have fun and made the most of every moment, giving and receiving joy in equal measure. She was a beacon of light, making everyone feel special.

Sandra is an inspiration in how to lead with a good heart, living life with kindness, caring, love, and resilience at the forefront

Best mom and nanny ever!

Sandra will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Many thanks to the incredible staff at St. Joseph’s Health Centre who lovingly cared for her in her final months.

Condolences can be made online at Sandra’s memorial page at www.gilbertmacintyreandson-hart.com