Sandra Marilyn Johannson, born September 15, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, passed away on October 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and boundless love. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Amanda) Burt and Jennifer (Brunel) Sabourin, who carry forward her spirit through their own lives and families, as well as her stepdaughter Jessica. Sandra was incredibly proud of her four granddaughters—Abigail, Brooklyn, Rebecca, and Stephanie—Jennifer and Brunel’s daughters, who brought immense joy and meaning to her life. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon (Phil) Northrup, her brother, Dennis Kaprawy, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Sandra was predeceased by her husband, Wally, her parents, Emil and Lillian Kaprawy, and her brother, Ken Taylor.

Sandra’s early life was shaped by movement and change, beginning in Toronto and later shifting westward before her family settled back in Manitoba. A five-year stay in Vancouver added to her childhood experiences before her parents purchased a farm near Arborg, MB. Farm life meant responsibility, teamwork, and simple pleasures—tending animals, working in the family garden, and learning the rhythm of daily chores. Sandra often reminisced about her long walks to the one-room schoolhouse, where education became more than a duty; it became a lifelong passion.

This love of learning led Sandra to the teaching profession. She earned her teaching certificate and later joined her parents in the hotel and restaurant business. After the devastating loss of their hotel to a fire, the family rebuilt by opening a fast-food restaurant in Pine Falls. Not long after, Sandra returned to the University of Manitoba to complete her Bachelor of Education majoring in Human Ecology, a milestone she cherished deeply. She spent 25 rewarding years enriching the lives of her students, guiding them not just academically but with warmth, encouragement, and a belief in what each child could become.

Outside the classroom, Sandra found peace and happiness in the natural world. Her garden and flower beds were a reflection of her care and creativity; each one tended with patience and pride. She loved feeding the birds in her yard and kept her feeders full, always trying to outsmart the squirrels who insisted on helping themselves. Inside her home, she surrounded herself with cheerful roosters, graceful loons, and other reminders of nature she held close to her heart.

Sandra was a remarkable cook, known for preparing meals that nourished not only the body but the soul. Everything she made was crafted from scratch, seasoned with love, and served in generous portions. Guests rarely left without containers of leftovers — a testament to her instinct to nurture and her belief that food was meant to be shared. She passed her culinary talents on to her children and granddaughters, teaching them family recipes and traditions that will carry her memory forward for generations.

Above all, Sandra’s greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She delighted in spoiling her granddaughters with new Christmas and Easter dresses—complete with shoes—and spent countless hours reading to them, playing Jellybean math games, and involving them in the kitchen. These moments were more than activities; they were expressions of love that shaped the girls’ childhoods and created memories they will hold forever.

Sandra enjoyed travelling, whether it was visiting Alberta’s Rocky Mountains or escaping the cold to Arizona. Yet at heart, she was a homebody. Nothing pleased her more than settling in with a glass of wine to cheer on the Winnipeg Jets, watch curling, or follow Olympic sports. She was also deeply fascinated by the Royal Family, collecting memorabilia and staying up late to watch Royal events unfold in real time.

Sandra lived a life defined by quiet strength, kindness, and devotion to the people she loved. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in her family, her traditions, and the countless lives she touched with her generosity and warmth.

Sandra will be missed forever and always loved eternally.

A spring memorial service is being planned. An announcement will be made prior to the service with more details.