Sandra Beatrice (Saatela) Gerrard

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Sandra Gerrard, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Chinook Regional hospital.

Sandra was born in Kimberly, BC on May 6, 1938, and lived in Cranbook and Fort Macleod while growing up; and was honoured to be a Job’s Daughter during this time.

Moving to Sherwood Park, AB in 1973, Sandra met and married Harry Gerrard.  Harry was transferred to Simcoe, ON with his job and they lived there for 20 years before moving back to Edmonton in 1997.  A few years after Harry passed away, she moved to Granum to be closer to family; finally settling in Fort Macleod in 2012.

Sandra was our family’s “social butterfly” – she could make friends in five minutes while sitting in Tim Horton’s, with people who were just passing through Macleod.  She was active in her churches and many communities in which she lived, volunteering with organizations such as Easter Seals and Mental Health Associations.  One of the accomplishments she was most proud of while living in Simcoe, was creating and directing a generational choir called “Interlink” that brought school children and seniors together to perform.

Her passion for the theatre and arts community was truly evident, and she was delighted to have created special friendships with ManWoman and Brent Carver who were notable Canadian personalities.

Sandra was mostly known for her love and care towards her five children, and all her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a huge heart that was always full of love for all family and many friends she made over the years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Sandra is survived by her children, Diane McEachern and Rob Charlton; Step Children Bruce Gerrard (Peggy) of Okotoks, Brenda (Jim) Gerrard and Barb (Kent) Rombough of London, Ontario;  Grandchildren Amanda, Aaron and Andrew Charlton; Kayla (Dan) McEachern and Sheena McEachern; Brittany Murray, Brooklyn and Katie Rombough; Rylie Guest; Willy and Emily Gerrard; and several  great-Grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is survived by her two sisters Audrey Vaile and Maureen (Ken) Johnson all of Kamloops; and Sister-in-law Vivian Stevely of Prince George. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry Gerrard, and brothers Terry and Danny Stevely.

Sandra's Memorial Service was held at the United Church in Fort Macleod, Alberta, on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Sandra will be laid to rest at a later date, beside Harry Gerrard at Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Sherwood Park.

 In lieu of flowers Sandra has requested that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Beatrice (Saatela) Gerrard, please visit our floral store.