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Sandra Richards Obituary

RICHARDS, Sandra Jean It is with great sadness that we announce that Sandra passed away suddenly on December 21, 2014 in Toronto where she was spending Christmas with Taffy, her daughters and their families. Sandra's family and many friends were the most important elements of her life. She is survived by her husband of 47 years Taffy (Gwerfyl) who shared a loving marriage full of special memories; two treasured daughters: Megan, her husband David and their two boys, Garrett and Archer; Sian, her husband Murray and their daughter Una and son Clark; her brother Bob Turner, his wife Vicky and their two children David, his wife Amy; Erica, her husband James and their daughter Fiona and son Ian; and step-brothers Tim Gosley, wife Petra and their children Jeromy and Naomi, and Anton Gosley and his wife Maria. Sandra had a vast number of true friends who will greatly miss her cheerful disposition, her interest in their daily lives and her loyalty. She impacted everyone so deeply. Sandra was a graduate of St. Paul's Hospital School of Nursing (1961). For some 55 years Sandra worked as a caring and compassionate nurse who worked primarily at Victoria General Hospital and latterly at the Sisters of Ste. Anne's Nursing Home. Her lengthy career spanned psychiatry, operating room and geriatric nursing. Sandra's professionalism and genuine concern for the dignity and well-being of her patients earned her the respect and admiration of physicians, colleagues, technicians and hospital staff. She loved her work. A memorial reception will be held on Thursday January 15th, 2015 at the University Club of Victoria between 2 and 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jan. 3 to Jan. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Richards

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18 Entries

Marilyn Hansen

February 11, 2015

A beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, friend.
My heart is full of tears.

Marilyn Hansen

Jo-Anne Vickers

January 16, 2015

After attending Sandra's Memorial yesterday, I was so impressed, but not surprised, with all the amazing accolades shared with many, many people at the gathering. I was one of the Nurses at St. Ann's Residence, when she worked there, and valued Sandra's sense of humour, love of the Sisters and other Patients, interactions with other staff and families. Her sudden passing was a terrible shock to everyone, and I send my deepest sympathy to Taffy, her Daughters and families and everyone who was lucky enough to spend time in her glowing presence. She will certainly never be forgotten by me.

Andrew Elgee

January 12, 2015

Dear Richards Family
We were saddened to hear about Sandra's passing. Both Meagan and David had many stories about her spirit and good nature. Our sympathies to the entire family.
Sincerely the Burke-Elgee Family

Brenda Szmuniewski

January 11, 2015

I was sorry to hear that Sandra had passed away. I had the pleasure of working with Sandra at Glengarry. She was such a wonderful co-worker.
My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

Alan

January 9, 2015

I'm thinking compassionate thoughts, and sending my (virtual) love at least, in the direction of Megan and David, with their sons. I'm sorry for your loss, and I wish you the best in working through it. I love the photo, and the necklace; the smile and the attentive, vibrant gaze into the camera. Oh ...

jane lewis

January 8, 2015

Dear Richards family,
Peter and I send our deepest sympathy in the sudden loss of your wonderful Mother and Taffy's dear wife of 46 yrs.Sandra.
Such a terrible shock for you all and a very sad time .I knew Sandra through mutual friends and the few times I was with her, I was struck by her outgoingl cheery personality and sense of humour ...her reputation as a truly fine nurse was well known as was her strong love for her family .
I am sure you all have fun, loving memories to hold in your hearts forever.
Thinking of you with prayers for strength and courage.
Sincerely,
Jane &Peter Lewis

January 7, 2015

To Sandra's family
Please accept my sincerest condolences in
the loss of a beloved wife and mother.
I had the pleasure of working with this wonderful nurse and lady at Glengarry
Hospital back in 2003. Sandra was such an upbeat positive person, which impacted us all! Sandra will be missed .
Dorothy Zelley Victoria B.C.

Marjorie Payne

January 6, 2015

My love and thoughts are with all of Sandy's family and friends. This photo says just so much of her personality and Dr. Brook's words have captured Sandra the nurse to perfection! I feel so privileged to have known Sandy since high school days. Her vibrancy, smile, love and laughter will stay with me always. Look for a star in the sky that is smiling and laughing with you...you will have found Sandy.

Peter Callegari

January 5, 2015

Olivia and I were shocked and profoundly saddened to hear news of Sandra's untimely and totally unexpected death. Our deepest condolences go out to Taffy and the girls. I was fortunate to work with Sandra for many years in the Geriatric units at Fairfield Health Centre, and at VGH. We go back a long time. Sandra was the consummate nurse, bright, very knowledgeable, very funny but always professional. She had a very special kind, and gentle, way with the frail elderly, and fortunate indeed were the countless nursing and medical students, even the occasional greenhorn geriatrician like myself whom she inspired by her example. With her professionalism, charm and gentle cajoling she achieved wonderful results with patients of all kinds, and won the confidence and gratitude of their families. She was a bright star in the firmament. She will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.

Theresa Vogel

January 5, 2015

My aunt was a resident at St. Ann's Residence during Sandra's time there. I remember her caring, enthusiasm, and good humour, a credit to her nursing profession, and to her human spirit. May family and friends be comforted by her memory, and inspired by her example.

Chi Chi Godin

January 5, 2015

I will miss your energy and friendship. I promise to keep an eye on Megan, David & the boys for you. Au revoir.

January 4, 2015

Taffy I remember working with Sandra years ago in psychiatry, we laughed, cried, and always had so much fun! She was an amazing nurse and person, a joy to be around---such a loss! our thoughts are with you and your family--Love Doreen [and Ian] Appleton!

breda bowles

January 4, 2015

Dear Taffy and family
I cannot tell you how shocked I was to hear of Sandras death.She was without a doubt the best working partner I ever had.We shared so many good times with lots of laughter.She was so proud of her family and I know how dearly you are all going to miss her.

Anna Chretien

January 4, 2015

Deeply saddened and shocked to here of Sandra's sudden passing. Heartfelt sympathy to you Taffy and your family.
Anna Chretien (#202)

January 3, 2015

Dear Taffy and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sandra was a beautiful and energetic person. I am in total shock. I will miss her dearly. I always looked forward to her dental visits. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love, Sandra Page

Fiona Sudbury

January 3, 2015

Sandra was unforgettable. I had the good fortune to cross paths with her in nursing during the early '90s at the old GVHS. Sandra was unfailingly kind, gracious, upbeat and encouraging to me and to all staff and patients she came in contact with. Fondly remembered!

Dr. David Brook

January 2, 2015

Karen and I are deeply-saddened to learn of Sandra's death. Our heartfelt condolences go to Taffy and family. Sandra was the heart and soul of Nursing and Geriatrics in this town. Her abiding love for sick old people was unmatched by any nurse, physician or health care professional. Sandra was the exemplar, inspiring us to heal our patients, through laughter, or flirtation, in any way we could to foster healing and recovery. She wielded beauty and charm beneficently and therapeutically. She was selfless, and she judged no one. As one who led by example, she will be long-remembered for her great good deeds, her vivacity, her selflessness and steadfastness in service to others, and as a role-model for excellence in the profession of Nursing. She was a nurse who laughed and loved with patients and families to relieve suffering. She was truly a Woman of Wisdom.

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Memorial Events
for Sandra Richards

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.