Sandra Margaret Shewfelt

As I was thinking about Sandra’s life, what crossed my mind was a quilt like the ones she enjoyed making. I’m not thinking about those with intricate patterns like the one you saw in the next room. I’m thinking more of a quilt with individual squares, each telling us something different about the person whose life we are remembering and celebrating today.

One square would certainly be the qualities of her life – plusses and minuses. What words come to your mind? I’ve heard generous, thoughtful, polite, loyal – with a dislike of confrontation, and a desire to do things to perfection. Sandra enjoyed a simple life, and felt most at home in the country – country music included! Lois also reminded me that her mother was strict when she needed to be, and what others may have called “determined”, Lois called “stubborn”.

One of the squares of the life quilt would certainly have to be a love of God’s creation. There were the beef and dairy farms, and a number of cruises, but the biggest joy of her life was Camp. ‘Camp played a major role in the life and leisure of Sandra and her family – birds, nature, the lake, the party boat – all a reminder that God is Good!

Another square I would call “Sandra and God”. She grew up in the Anglican Church, and church was always a part of her life – sometimes more time-consuming than others. Especially when Sandra and Clifford lived in Sturgeon Falls, the church was a major piece of her life. She had many church homes along the way, but the Echo Bay church was “really home”.

An important square in Sandra’s life quilt would have to be her attention to others. She showed kindness, she offered help where needed, she took on the role of family peace-keeper, and she enjoyed hosting family and friends at camp. “Love one another” Jesus said, and Sandra did that.

My final square (though I’m sure you could add additional squares) would be the disappointments and tragedies of life which she faced with faith and bravery. Losing both a husband and son through accidents should not be a part of anyone’s life – but it was for Sandra.

When all the squares are sewn together, I guess I would finish the quilt with a bright border representing the surrounding love of God and the promise of eternal life which is now Sandra’s because of Jesus’ death and Easter resurrection.

This morning I was at the John Rhodes pool and ran into a person from Garden River that I knew from the times that I served the church there. As we talked about all the people that have died since I left there 20 years ago, I was reminded of something one of the elders shared at a funeral service back then. He said that the non-indigenous people have it wrong. We rejoice at the birth of a child, and mourn when a person dies. He said it should be the opposite – we should be saddened that a child has to be born into the world as it is, and celebrate a person’s journey back to their Creator.

You may not feel like celebrating, but I think you can be thankful that your life intersected with Sandra’s, and be happy that she in once again in the presence of her living God.

Dear Gramma,

First off, especially this week, I would like to say thank you for the strength you have always shown and passed on to me. We know we would not be where we are today without your overflowing love, admiration, and support.

As being an only grandchild, there are countless memories and experiences you provided me with. I hope you know how much my Mom and I both appreciated the weekend getaways, or the visits to both the East and West Coasts of Canada. You introduced us to cruising, and now we are holding those memories close. The lessons, lectures, and most importantly love is what made me into who I am today.

I am thankful for the laughs- like the time when I took you to Dairy Queen a few years back. I will never forget how you looked at the young children misbehaving; looked back at me and told me I was 'perfect' at that age.

If you knew my Gramma, you know that being prim and proper, well dressed and well behaved were very important to her. How about the two weeks we spent in the East Coast? On day one, I fell asleep on her, drooled on her jacket, and she told me I couldn't sleep leaning on her ever again.

I knew my Gramma was going to be my best friend from a very young age. Wrapped around each others' finger. I could always count on her to pick me up- even when I was a baby and drove my excersaucer off the deck at camp. Thanks for helping me Gram - my mom couldn't even look! I guess now I should say sorry for pushing you off the dock at the lake when I was just three years old; but hey - I guess I was still perfect to her.

I hope that I can continue to make you proud. I am forever grateful you were able to come to both of my university graduations because I know how important education was to you.

Last but not least, I'm thankful for the life you provided for us at McCarrels Lake. Our favorite place! I promise I will continue to buy fuchsias every year, feed the chickadees and always get a good tan. But who will I bug about whether or not I got some sun each day? As the sun sets every evening, I will wish you were there to enjoy it with me.

Gramma, I will forever be your girl.

I love you

xoxoxo Sarah

My Auntie Sandra -

When I was a young kid I would go out to McCarrels Lake in the summer and spend time, sometimes a week at a time visiting with and staying at my Auntie Sandra's camp. I have many fond memories of these times sipping her famous peach drink she always had on hand and swimming or fishing the days away.

My Auntie Sandra always made me feel welcome and I would say treated me as more of an equal than the young bratty kid I'm sure I was. She must have appreciated my sense of humour as I recall sitting with her in the shade and sharing many laughs and smiles. Looking back I see how fortunate I was to have her as an Aunt and a friend in my life.

I recall her and the Shewfelts hosting many family gatherings on the lake. I was just one of several who was celebrated and supported as I prepared to go away to school as a young adult. This is who my Auntie Sandra was, she was a wonderful Auntie to me and so many others and we were lucky to have her in our lives.

Auntie Sandra I am thankful for everything you have done for me over the years and will always look back at the times we've spent together, the fond memories and be grateful for having had you in my life. I miss you. Thank you - Brian.

SHEWFELT, Sandra Margaret - Peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Sault Area Hospital in her 84th year with her girls by her side.

Loving wife of the late Clifford. Caring and devoted mother of Lois and the late Philip. Adoring Gramma of Sarah. Predeceased by her parents Fred and Gertrude White. Daughter-in-law of the late Jack and Annie Shewfelt. She will be missed by her siblings Roger White (Nan), Kay McConnell (late Darol), Elinor Attalla (Monir), Doug White (Lois), George White (Carol), Carroll Wilton (Lewis; late Gerald), late Gordie White (late Betty) and Janet Bubinas - Arnold. Sandra will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews and close friends, especially her best friend Marion Craig. Friends and family may visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. - 705-759-2522) on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 4 pm - 5:30 pm. Funeral service in the chapel at 6 pm. Rev. Rosalie Goos officiating. Spring Interment Aberdeen (Phillips) Cemetery. A special thank you to those who showed their love and support towards the end of her journey including Dr. Mir Shafiee, Robin Kennedy-DeChamplain, Riley Schaffer and her baby sister Janet. Donations payable by cheque to St George’s Anglican Church (Echo Bay) or the F.J. Davey Home Adult Day Away Program would be appreciated by the family.

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SHEWFELT, Sandra Margaret - Peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Sault Area Hospital in her 84th year with her girls by her side.

Loving wife of the late Clifford. Caring and devoted mother of Lois and the late Philip. Adoring Gramma of Sarah. Predeceased by her parents Fred and Gertrude White. Daughter-in-law of the late Jack and Annie Shewfelt. She will be missed by her siblings Roger White (Nan), Kay McConnell (late Darol), Elinor Attalla (Monir), Doug White (Lois), George White (Carol), Carroll Wilton (Lewis; late Gerald), late Gordie White (late Betty) and Janet Bubinas - Arnold. Sandra will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews and close friends, especially her best friend Marion Craig. Friends and family may visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. - 705-759-2522) on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 4 pm - 5:30 pm. Funeral service in the chapel at 6 pm. Rev. Rosalie Goos officiating. Spring Interment Aberdeen (Phillips) Cemetery. A special thank you to those who showed their love and support towards the end of her journey including Dr. Mir Shafiee, Robin Kennedy-DeChamplain, Riley Schaffer and her baby sister Janet. Donations payable by cheque to St George’s Anglican Church (Echo Bay) or the F.J. Davey Home Adult Day Away Program would be appreciated by the family.