Zandra was born in Chelan, Saskatchewan on February 4, 1938 to Talbot and Christina Irwin. Growing up in Beaver Falls and Trail, British Columbia, she loved to play the piano and sing with her sisters, Patricia and Gaylene. The Irwin family was active in the Alliance Church and Zan and Gay sang on the church's radio show. After graduating from J.L. Crowe High School in 1955, she attended Business College and began her career in bookkeeping the next year.
In 1958, she met her husband, Constable Laurence Condon in Rossland, when he stopped her vehicle at a roadblock, and noticing her Boston Terrier, began to forge a common bond. After a whirlwind courtship they married in 1959, moving to Hazelton, B.C., where their two daughters, Cynthia Leigh and Lauri Lynne were born.
Zandra was a willing and adventurous wife when Larry's career in the RCMP took their family from town to town. 1962 to 1963 were spent in Burnaby. She bravely embraced unique life experiences when they were transferred in 1963 to the remote village of Telegraph Creek in Northern B.C. Zandra served as government agent alongside Larry’s law enforcement duties.
There was always room for extended family in Zandra’s home. Her father and mother-in-law, Vivian Condon, each visited and enjoyed extended stays with them at each posting. At Christmas or during the summer, it wasn’t uncommon for her sisters’ families or Larry’s brother’s family to fill up the house. In return, Zandra’s family vacations involved travelling across Canada and into the United States to Ohio and California, more often than not to visit family and friends.
In 1966 the family moved to Revelstoke. She became the pianist in the Alliance Church there, cared for her daughters and children of friends, played softball and supported her husband’s Little League and Hockey teams.
Settling in Maple Ridge in 1971, morning coffee with friends at Zan’s kitchen table was common. She was scorekeeper for the softball teams Larry coached, and an avid fan when daughters and other family members played sports. Zandra resumed bookkeeping when her friends opened the Jolly Coachman Pub in Pitt Meadows. She enjoyed assisting with the “lunch rush” and the camaraderie of her colleagues.
In retirement Zandra was a devoted grandma and happiest spending time with her grandchildren. She crocheted baby blankets and tablecloths and enjoyed playing Solitaire and doing crossword puzzles. As a member of the Maple Ridge Lawn Bowling Club she enjoyed the sport and the socializing.
In 2004, Zandra and Larry moved to Imperial Place Retirement Residence in Surrey. They enjoyed the fine dining, entertainment and outings. Zandra loved to phone her family and friends, and was always eager to travel to watch grandchildren’s sports, visit with family and friends and go shopping. Heartbreaking for Zandra, Larry’s health deteriorated and in 2008 he was moved to Fleetwood Care Facility. Fortunate to have made friends at Imperial Place, she enjoyed their companionship in the evenings, after whiling away her days alongside Dad at Fleetwood. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word games and colouring on her tablet.
After Larry's death in May of 2017, Zandra moved to Ladysmith, B.C. to live with Lauri and son-in-law Kevin. There, Zandra enjoyed the home prepared meals, daily companionship and being part of a household again. Zandra joined Ladysmith and Chemainus Senior's Centres, attending yoga classes and coffee groups.
Zandra was predeceased by her husband Laurence; her parents, Talbot and Christina Irwin; and her sister Patricia Flannigan.
She is survived by her daughters Cyndi (Larry) Moore and Lauri (Kevin) Stark; adoring grandchildren Amy Stark, Dennis (Rhea) Stark, Daniel (Ivy Muturi) Stark, Reilly (Ashley) Westwood and Colby Moore; her sister Gaylene (Clifford) Zempter; and many loving relatives and dear friends.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a Celebration of Life will be planned later.
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