Ms. Sandra Mary Bertha White Williamson

Sandra Mary Bertha Williamson was born on Christmas Eve of December 24, 1948 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She was the second child and first daughter of Hormidas and Florence White. Sandra was raised Roman Catholic and attended Catholic elementary and high school, (Mount St. Joseph). Sandra always seemed to be drawn to the church and collected scrap books of prayer cards. After high school Sandra studied to be a legal secretary and worked in the field for various businesses, (Dawson and Keenan, Department of Highways, etc.). Sandra dated Cary Randall Williamson. Cary graduated from Cambrian College, (now Sault College) as an engineer and was continuing on at Algoma University. The two had a loving relationship and when Sandra was 22 years old and Cary was 21, the two had discovered that they were having a baby. Sandra and Cary married on December 5, 1970 when Sandra was 6 months pregnant. Three months later the two had a health baby boy, David Wayne Williamson. Sandra and Cary lived in Sandra's parents basement to help get on their feet. Sandra went back to work and Cary continued on with his schooling. It was tough and the young couple struggled financially. Cary fell into a depression and unfortunately committed suicide on Dec 11, 1972, at 23 yrs. Sandra loved Cary and this very traumatic event sent Sandra's life into a downward spiral. Sandra fell into a deep depression and had been told that you cannot go to heaven if you commit suicide so she felt compelled to pray for her husband's sole to be saved so they could one day be reunited. This became and obsession and Sandra would go to Church every day and pray day and night. She also wanted to join the convent to dedicate her life. All this worried her family as this did not allow her to raise her son. Doctors told her parents that they needed to send her to a psychiatric ward in North Bay. Very concerned and not knowing what to do, Sandra's parents felt they had no other choice but to follow the doctor's advice. They knew that Sandra would not go willingly to get help so her parents told her that they were going to visit family and drove her from Sault Ste. Marie to North Bay. They drove to the psychiatric hospital and Sandra felt very deceived. While in North Bay, Sandra experienced things that changed her for life. The medications, shock therapy and abuse from other psych patients on top of tragically loosing the love of her life, being taken away from her baby and feeling betrayed by her family was all too much for a young lady. Sandra never really recovered and struggled with manic depression for the rest of her life. Sandra had a very loving heart but unfortunately, sometimes her mind failed her. Sandra would usually get depressed in the spring and fall and every few years, Sandra would need to be hospiatlized at Riverview and have a medication adjustment. November and December were particullarly difficult for Sandra because the reminder of the anniversary of Cary's death but also because Cary's birthday was November 3rd, Sandra's birthday was Dec 24th, their anniversary was Dec 5, Chrismas was difficult financially combined with the decreased day light hours, cold weather setting in. Sandra was a very dedicated, loving mother. As time passed Sandra was encouraged to try dating to help move on and to hopefully find a father for her son. Sandra dated but nothing ever really worked out. Sandra was told about "Parents with out Partners", a group of single parents looking to meet. This is where Sandra met Morris Lake. Moe had lost his wife to cancer and was trying to raise three young children. Sandra dated Moe and helped with his children. Sandra became pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Jennifer Lynn Maria Williamson. Moe stayed for a while but it became too much so he left. Sandra's situation became more difficult with having to raise two children as a single mom. She raised her children the best she could and what she lacked in money she made up for in love. Years went by

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WILLIAMSON, Sandra Mary Bertha – Peacefully with her family by her side at the Sault Area Hospital on Sunday, March, 25, 2012 at the age of 63. Predeceased by her husband Cary Randall. Loving mother of David Wayne (Dianne – Debbi) and Jennifer Williamson. Cherished grandma of Jordan, Mariah, Jenna and Ava Williamson. Dear sister of Ron White (Vivian), Judy Stong (Bob), Lynn Boyle (Gary), and Sharon Ash (Bruce – Mike). Also greatly missed by many family and friends. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 1:30 pm until time of funeral service in the chapel at 3:30 pm. Interment on Friday, March 30, 2012 starting at 9:30 am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Canadian Mental Health or the Diabetes Association would be appreciated.

Words from Sharon Ash from the funeral service for Sandra Williamson:

Life can’t be counted in candles, or measured in number of years, it’s counted in small joys and good times and laugh lines, as well as in heartaches and tears.

Life can’t be counted in candles, but in things done with effort and pride – with dreams followed boldly and hopes kept alive—in times when we’ve failed –but tried.

Life can’t be counted in candles or measured in years that have flown—it’s counted in kindnesses, close friends, and loved ones, and in all the sweet blessings we’ve known.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sharon, Sandra’s youngest sister. I used to be “The little one and I’m still the youngest, but I’m the biggest one now.” I’m also the mouthy one and as you can hear, I can’t even shut up when I have laryngitis.

I believe that “Time” is the most precious gift that you can give to anyone. You can not put a price on your time and when you are laying on your death bed you can’t buy back 5 minutes for a million dollars. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could attend our own funeral and see how many lives we’ve touched. Some of you are meeting Sandra for the first time and some of you haven’t seen her in years. I would like to thank you all for taking the time to come here today to be with us and say good bye to my sister.

As we gather today to say good bye it gives me much comfort to know that Sandra has been greeted on the other side by mom & dad (I hope you gave them a hug & kiss for me), as I look out at you all I see so many of us who have loved ones on the other side who are gathered to welcome Sandra there.

I would like to thank my brother Ron and my sisters Judy & Lynn for being there for Sandra over the years. Sandra wasn’t the easiest person to get along with so I didn’t spend as much time with her as I should have. Thank you Lynn & Judy for making Sandra comfortable and attending to her needs while she was in the hospital.

Dave & Jen thank you for letting me do my part and carry your mother the last step of the way, to her resting place.

Sammy:

When we count our many blessings, it isn’t hard to see that life’s most valued treasures are the treasures that are free. For it isn’t what we own or buy that signifies our wealth. It’s the special gifts that have no price – our family, friends, and health. When I’m counting all my blessings, there’s one thing I’ll always do – I’ll stop and say a “Thank you Lord” for very special you. For you’re someone who’ll forever be a dear and precious part, of the warm and treasured memories I hold within my heart.

We will all miss your phone calls to wish us happy birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Valentines Day, Happy St Patrick’s day, Happy Easter, Happy Mothers Day, Happy Father’s day, Happy Thanks giving. You always greeted with a hug and “Aunt Sandy Kiss” peck on the cheek and made sure to say you loved us. You were always very thoughtful.

Thank you for bringing the family close together. Unfortunately, we tend to get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to take time to realize and enjoy the simple things in life.

Sandra had many roles here: she was a daughter & daughter in law, our sister & sister in law, a wife, a mother, grandmother, niece, aunt, neighbor, friend.

Last week when Sandra was in the hospital I got to have a pajama party with her and my sister Lynn. How sad that we didn’t take the time to do that when Sandra wasn’t sick and could have enjoyed the fun we all had reminiscing about our childhood memories. Those of you who are lucky enough to have a parent, grandparent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, neighbor, friend…don’t wait til they are gone to appreciate them. Make the call, knock on the door, have the pajama party, take the time.

Dave & Jen

As a mother I apologize to you for anything that your mom might have done wrong. I’m sure she made some mistakes as we all do but she did the best she could and loved you both very much. Don’t feel bad or guilty about anything you may have said or done. Mothers love their children unconditionally and she forgives you. She will watch over you and will be there to meet you again one day.

Our Family Chain is Broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one the Chain will Link again.

Rest in Peace Sammy, til we meet again

Until then we’ll see you in dream land.

- Words from Sharon Ash