Sandra Anne Ponomarenko

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandy Ponomarenko, who left us peacefully on May 20, 2025, just shy of her 80th birthday. Born on June 22, 1945, in Brandon, Manitoba, to George and Bertha Watkin (née Sproule), Sandy was the beloved younger sister of Margaret Matheson.

At just 18, while still in high school, Sandy began working for the Royal Bank. After graduating, she moved to Winnipeg to continue her career with the bank, where she built a reputation for her dedication, professionalism, and warm spirit. Sandy made RBC her lifelong career, retiring in 2008 after 45 years. It was in Winnipeg that Sandy met Glenn Ponomarenko. They married on June 14, 1975, and shared a devoted life together.

Sandy was a beloved family member and friend, known for her warm heart, kind spirit and deep love for cats. Her love for her cats was profound—so much so that she rarely traveled, unwilling to be away from them for more than a day. Even in her final days, her greatest wish was to be home with them.

A talented home baker, Sandy filled our homes and hearts with the sweet aroma of cookies, cakes and pies – always made with love and shared generously with others. In her retirement, she regularly mailed or shipped homemade pies to loved ones, and visitors to her home rarely left without a delicious dessert in hand.

Sandy will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering support for those she loved, and the grace with which she lived her life. She leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of integrity, compassion, and warmth. Sandy’s gentle presence and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially, her beloved husband of almost 50 years, Glenn.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at Thomson "In The Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or Anderson Animal Hospital in Sandy’s memory.