Sandra Jean Marcenko Odsen

Sandra Jean Odsen (Marcenko) of Assiniboia, SK, passed away December 16, 2015 at the age of 59 with family by her side. Predeceased by husband Darryl (2012) and father Willie Marcenko, Sandy is survived by loving family; three children: Shannon (Clay) Moneo, Chad Odsen (Lori Hildebrandt) and Jeremy Odsen; grandchildren: Matt, Madison, Merit and Mavryk Moneo, Alexis, Zaida and Olivia Odsen; mother Pauline Marcenko; sisters Sherry (Mike) Frankiw and Carla (Tim) Crosbie; sister-in-law Sandra (Chuck) Porter; nieces Nicki (Scott) Monilaws and Kara (Jade) Utri; and nephews Jason (Kellie) Porter and Derek (Stella) Porter. Sandra was born September 23, 1956 in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. She grew up and took all her schooling in Assiniboia. On May 19, 1973, she married her childhood friend Darryl Odsen and they made their home in Assiniboia while raising their three children, Shannon, Chad, and Jeremy. Sandra was an extremely hard worker and always kept busy. When her children were young, she wanted to stay home with them so she took on the role of being caregiver to other people’s children. She did this until all of her children were in school, and then she began to work part time outside the home. She enjoyed working at a variety of places, but the one that she spent the most time at was working at Thrifty Foods, which eventually became Assiniboia Foods which she was owner with Darryl and Chad. Mom took great pride in providing personal service to people that were not only her customers, but whom she considered friends. Sandra always had time for friends and neighbors. She was an early riser, and it was never too early to stop by for a cup of coffee and a visit. Sandra took great pride in her children and while they were growing up she attended many music festivals, volleyball, football, baseball and hockey games. Prior to working full time, she was an active participant in a variety of church clubs and committees. She also took her turn at being on committees for her children’s activities and remained as involved as she could in all of them. Sandra enjoyed bowling for a number of years and even worked at the Bowling Alley with Darryl a few nights a week. For many years, she planted a vegetable garden until it became too difficult to maintain while working full time. She converted that space into a beautiful flower garden which she took great pride in. Her yard was always well maintained and the flowers were beautiful. It was important for her to have a yard where her grandchildren could play and enjoy. This included developing a collection of solar powered ornaments in which the grandchildren loved to look at and comment on with Grandma. Quite often when the grandchildren came to visit, it was their job to help Grandma water the flowers, a job that they all enjoyed and grew to look forward to. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she would do anything for them. With very heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our beloved mother and grandmother and will hold the memories close to our hearts forever. Private family visitation was held Monday, December 21, 2015. Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 2:00 pm at St. George’s Catholic Church, Assiniboia, with Father Joy Montiague as the celebrant and Father Maurice Minne as co-celebrant. Tribute was given by Shannon, Chad, and Jeremy. Pallbearers were: Jason Porter, Derek Porter, Grant Maffenbeier, Jordan Meginbir, Kevin Hicks, and Kirk Johnston. Sherry, Mike, Carla and Tim placed the Pall. Alexis Harper and Paul Maffenbeier lit the Pascal Candle. Readers were Clarence Maffenbeier and Janice Erfle and the Offertory Gifts were presented by Heather Maffenbeier and Jeannette Hildebrandt. Music Ministry was led by Carol Marit and a Musical Tribute, “O Holy Night” was sung by Stella Salido Porter. Donations in memory of Sandra may be made to the South Country Assistance Trust Fund or St. George’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK.