Alexandra (Sandra) Dawson passed away on September 15, 2016 at the age of 82 after a sudden illness. She will be greatly missed by her three children: Doug of Austin, Texas, Cindy of Wetaskiwin, AB, and Suzanne of Ottawa, ON; her daughters-in law: Janet and Sonja; her six grandchildren: Kyle, Kyra, Kieanna, Dominic, Phoenix and Jordan; her brother and sisters: Jack (Rita) of Ashburn, ON, Ann (Steve) of Winnipeg, MB, Mary of Montreal, QC, Nell of Winnipeg, MB, Lucy of Portage La Prairie, MB, and Ruth (John) of Toronto, ON; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Matthew and Antonina Davidchuk, her sister, Leah, and brother Michael. Sandra was born in Glinsk, Poland in 1933. Her parents lovingly referred to her as Sasha. When she was four years old, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Swan River, MB, where her father was a farmer. She and her siblings enjoyed life on the farm, picking berries and climbing trees. At age 16, Sandra moved to Winnipeg, and then Edmonton, AB to finish grade 12 and attend Bible College. She moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia and became a teacher. To help pay for her schooling, she worked as a telephone operator and joined the Air Force reserve. In 1960, while attending university, Sandra met George Dawson at the Baptist Church. She was attracted to him because he was so spontaneous. Little did she know that she was in for so many adventures with George! Sandra's first teaching job was in Surrey, BC. She and George then moved to Northern B.C., and various places in Ontario before moving back to BC around 1974, and settled in Quesnel until 1984. Sandra resumed her schooling in 1985 and obtained her Master's Degree in Educational Psychology specializing in special needs children. Sandra was a dedicated teacher, and instilled a love of learning in everyone she met. She and George bought an acreage in Ebenezer, SK in 1988, where they spent their summers, and later lived permanently, sometimes spending winters in New Westminster, BC. She stayed busy with church activities, reading, gardening, entertaining her friends, and volunteering with Soup Haven. She cherished the spring she went on a mission to Mexico with her friends from Prairie Harvest Church. Sandra never really retired. Even after her formal teaching days ended, she taught ESL and tutored many children, including her grandchildren. After George died, she spent time in Halifax and Yorkton, and spent her final year living close to her daughter Suzanne in Ottawa. Her last summer was spent with her daughters and all of her grandchildren. She always enjoyed good mental and physical health and was very independent, and her passing was sudden and peaceful. She will be missed by so many, and leaves a legacy of strength, kindness, generosity and love. A Visitation for Family and Friends was held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, September 23, 2016 from Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ebenezer, SK with Pastor Kendall Buhler officiating. The organist, Amanda Buhler, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Be Still My Soul", "It is Well With my Soul" and "Bringing in the Sheaves". Amanda and Tabatha Buhler also shared special musical selections, "This Little Light of Mine" and "How Great Thou Art". Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by family friend, Valorie Robertson. Pastor Des Klingspon read the scriptures and shared some of his personal memories of Sandra. Also, many of her family members shared tributes in her memory. The Interment Service followed in the Ebenezer Town Cemetery, Ebenezer, SK with Cindy Dawson, Kyle Dawson, Val Robertson, Al Robertson, Michael Easton and Greg Read serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting . Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
