Mrs. Sandra Danco

Sandra Danco

Sandra Marie Danco, of Kenora, gently left for heaven on August 1st as her family sang her favorite song, Amazing Grace. Sandra’s soul shone through the darkness of cancer; in her final moments on Earth, her radiant smile and brilliant blue eyes manifested her deep love for God and family.

Sandra was born in Bissett, Manitoba on March 7, 1954 to the late Jessie and Steve Kalyn. She was born a little early, foreshadowing the organized, prompt life she would lead.

She is survived by husband Rick and children Debra of Winnipeg and Taras of Little Buffalo, Alberta. Sandra is also survived by her brother Richard (Monica) Kalyn of Chilliwack. She loved her mother-in-law Mary Danco of Atikokan and always called her mom.

Her first date with Rick was canoeing in Quetico Provincial Park in the summer of 1982. Despite plans to leave Atikokan for Saskatoon, she decided to stay, and they were married on May 21st, 1983. She enjoyed hiking the trails of Jasper, Banff, Canmore, Kenora and Vancouver Island, and travelling with her children. Sandra was an avid cyclist and easily left Rick puffing to catch up. In 31 years of marriage Sandy did not miss a World Junior Hockey Championship, and never took the privileges enjoyed by Canadians for granted.

Sandra represented Erickson Collegiate High School on Reach for the Top. Sandra was a graduate of Central Pentecostal College and the University of Waterloo. She brought a blend of Christian compassion and social work expertise to her job as Executive Director of Women’s Shelters and Second Stage Housing for over twenty years. She set up the first Canadian women’s shelter for immigrant women in Edmonton. She relished returning to Northwestern Ontario and enjoyed working at Saakaate House. A co-worker wrote that Sandra was a remarkable woman who brought an admirable intellect, great dedication, calm and caring leadership to her role.

She was the quintessential Ukrainian mother. Taras would eat her cabbage rolls for breakfast, lunch, and dinner whereas Debra savoured mom’s perogies. Her nieces could not wait to visit as they anticipated the celebratory meal that Auntie Sandy would make. Her husband Rick was a willing sous-chef as he enjoyed Sandra’s creative cooking.

She fostered a love of learning that still burns brightly in her children. She was very proud of Debra who became a lawyer and Taras a teacher. Most importantly, Sandra nurtured a strong faith in God. One of her last requests was that Rick purchase special Bibles for Debra and Taras.

Pastor John Morley led a Celebration of Life and gifted tenor Robert Bartolo sang the hymns. After the commemoration of life, a barbecue feast was held. The family celebrated Sandra’s life with great food and love just as Sandra would have liked.

Special thanks to Robert Bartolo for his daily hospital visits and Tuesday morning breakfasts. Lori and Naomi Danco, you were an answer to prayer. Thanks to all the wonderful staff at the hospital. Leah Galusha, Debra and Peter Hayes, and Letahaimeno, thanks for all your prayers and support. Thanks Richard Kalyn for contacting an American pharmaceutical company in a search for a cure. Thanks Danco family for your continued love and support. Thank you Sandra for proving that God’s grace is sufficient. You were cut from the finest cloth and we will never forget you!

In Sandra’s memory donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Saakaate House.