28 December 1963 – 23 July 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra Elinor Robertson (nee Milne) on 23 July 2023 at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Sandra will always be lovingly remembered by her husband of 34 years, Jack and son, Travis. She is survived by sisters Donna Despins and Nancy (Tim) Flook, mother-in-law Sheila Robertson, sister-in-law Betty (Norm) Goriak, and her nephews and nieces, Doug (Jenn) Despins, Blair (Shaleen) Despins, Neal (Miranda) Despins, Chris (Colleen) Flook, Andrew (Julie) Flook and Meaghan (Mike) Manny, Brenda (Matt) Hager and Bonnie DesRoches, numerous great nephews and nieces and a great-great nephew.
Sandra was predeceased by her parents Bill and Ruby Milne, father-in-law Donald Robertson and brother-in-law Les Despins.
Sandra was born 28 December 1963 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She attended Laura Secord School and graduated from Gordon Bell High School. Her chosen occupation was Educational Assistant for students with special needs in Winnipeg School Division 1. In 2017 she retired and entered the next phase of adventures.
Jack and Sandra were married on 5 August 1989 at Maryland United Church in Winnipeg. They moved to St. Andrews in 1993 and welcomed their son Travis in 1999. They loved to travel, with Texas being almost a yearly event to visit extended family. Fun times were also had when they ventured to the Maritimes, Alberta, Disney World, Daytona, Northern Manitoba, Scotland, and Ireland.
Sandra was very proud of her Scottish heritage and accompanied friends and family to many functions including Highland dancing, Scottish games, and Winnipeg Police Pipe Band events.
She was a proud hockey mother in the community and one of Travis’ loudest and strongest vocal supporters.
Other enjoyments were long walks with her faithful companion, a Keeshond named Mukluk. The family enjoyed their outdoor adventures fishing summer and winter, hiking, and biking. Another enjoyment was tending her flower garden. She could also be found shooting hoops, playing street hockey, and football with Jack and Travis. In quiet times she enjoyed curling up with a good book.
During Jack’s firefighting career, many times Sandra took it upon herself to take on the role of both parents and eagerly ran Travis and his friends to and from sporting events, planning and hosting many celebrations, her favourite being Christmas.
Sandra was Jack’s confidante and supported him with wisdom, quiet words, and a safe place to be. Jack and Sandra enjoyed many mornings and evenings having coffee on the deck or around the campfire and reminiscing about past times and planning new adventures together. Even when not planning adventures, they loved just being with each other.
Sandra will always be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and love of others. She cherished life and lived every day knowing that it is precious and never took it for granted.
Thank you for the life we shared. My tears are saying what my words cannot. You will be forever in my heart. Rest easy dear, till we meet again.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11a.m. in the Selkirk Community Church 6569 Provincial Trunk Highway # 9, St. Andrews, MB
Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on Sandra’s memorial page by using the comment section below.
Dear Jack and family, I know nothing I say will make your pain any better. But I just wanted you and family to know I am thinking of you all in these difficult times. Sandra was one of the greatest people I have ever met. Her spirit and generosity will never be forgotten. Sandra was one in a million and will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to you all. 🙏 Donna Newell
Dear Jack and Travis, I life you have the privilege to have a special person enter your life! Sandra was one of those people I am honored to have in my life! You have my deepest condolences! I am so sorry for your loss! Sandra was one of those people who brightened up the room when she entered with he smile and unconditional love. I will miss her, she always was so much fun and so full of life! Travis had the very best mother picked just for him! God does not make mistakes. Jack, Sandra and you were meant to be together! I always saw the love in her eyes when you were together and when she spoke of you! I can heal a broken heart but know I will always be here for both of you! Just know she is with God and he said Job well done!God bless you and your family!
Rip my friend we worked a lot of years together in Winnipeg school division I will miss our lunch dates Teresa
Condolences to your family.
Although Sandy and I lost touch with each other after I left Wolseley. She was always so helpful and always had a smile on her face.
We met Sandra when we moved next door to the Milnes on Sherburn St. in 1974. We were newly married. Ruby and Bill made us very welcome as neighbours and Sandra and her friend Suzanne from across the lane were frequent lively visitors. We called them Spike and Spunky! They babysat when we had our first child. We were only there for three years but we remember Sandy well. It’s great to hear that she became a wonderful woman and we offer our sympathies to her family . She died too young.
Sincerely, Janice & Rennie Smith
A fantastic woman, wife and mother we will miss her!
Dear Jack and Travis, we are so sorry for your loss, of a mom, a wife and a friend. As the boys grew up our paths often crossed at school or in the various local hockey rinks. Seeing her was always a joy and we knew we’d be in for a good conversation or a laugh or 2. Her stories were full of family events and it was obvious how much she loved you both. We will remember those happy times. May you find comfort in your memories.
Dear Jack, Travis, family and friends,
My prayers of comfort go to you all during this difficult time of losing such a beautiful person in many ways.
I had the privilege to meet Sandra when we visited Winnipeg with my mother, Lil, which was Donnie Robertson’s Aunt, sister of Joe Robertson, Jack’s uncle. I can remember playing basketball with Travis, Sandra joined the game and out shot us all. We had several relatives there and Sandra fixed a wonderful salmon dinner. I remember reminiscing with Jack of all times he had with my uncle Joe. Travis used to write the best letters during Christmas time. I urge him to continue that. They are truly a beautiful, loving family.
Isn’t it wonderful that we will meet our love ones again in heaven with our Lord Jesus! Many blessings, Raymond
Dear Jack and Travis,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time
Love Aunt Joan
Our condolences to the Robertson family.
Our granddaughter Allison, and our daughter Wendy appreciated the wonderful care and guidance that Sandy gave to Allison.
Dear Jack and Travis,
It’s been a while, but I am so very sorry to hear of your loss; I was shocked when I got word. I will always remember my cousin Sandra, full of life, humour and her ability to make everyone at ease. Being first cousins, we spent many a holiday together as children growing up, both Christmases and summer holidays at her home as our fathers were brothers. Though we haven’t spent much time since her life with you, I’m certain Sandra was a wonderful, wife, mother, companion and an amazing friend. She was a genuinely generous, good and fun-loving soul and will always be fondly remembered. My most heart-felt sympathy to you, her family. God be with you Jack, Travis and Sandra ’til we meet again.
Catherine Milne
Dear Jack, Travis and family
Our hearts go out to all of you at this time of loss. We met Jack and Sandra when they move to Lockport. (2 doors down from us). The 4 surrounding neighbors decided we should play a joke on them to welcome them to the neighborhood. We told Jack that all 5 households are responsible every 5th year to cut the grass for the entire summer. It would be lots of work, but you only had to do it every 5 years. Unfortunately the house they bought was the house that had the job for the up coming season. So we all said good luck, happy mowing. We left it a few days and let them in on the joke. So many wonderful stories and memories we have shared. Then Travis came along and life just got more and more exciting. Sandra was so so proud of her 2 guys. Always shared the funniest stories. She was such a special friend to me. I could always count on her for anything. The last 6 months or so I spent a lot of time with her and learned more in those few months than I did our whole friendship. We never had a dull moment. Conversation just flowed.
I am truly going to miss you Sandra my dear and close friend. You were such a positive person and just took everyday with a smile on your face. You were a great influence to me and I always knew if I was down about something when I finished talking to you I was laughing. Thank you for loving, caring, teaching, and just being the wonderful person that you were. RIP my friend, until we meet again.
Love Al and Wendy
Dear Jack and Travis. So sad the passing of Sandra. She was always there for me if I had a question. I enjoyed the many calls each day and evening, the shopping, lunches and trips to Texas. I am here for you both. Take care,
Mom/Gramma