August 26, 1922 - August 13, 2018
It is with sadness, we share that Shirley Sandford (Brethour) passed away peacefully in her 96th year with her family by her side at Chemainus Health Care Centre.
Predeceased by her husband, Jim Sandford in 1986, parents, Blanche (Speiran) and Clifford Brethour and her step-mother Annie Brethour (Corner); mom is survived by her daughters Judith, Marilyn, and Mary Ellen, son in law Barry Bartlett, grandson Joshua Sandford and step-sister Barbara Hurlbert and her family. As well, mom leaves behind friends and family, both in British Columbia and Ontario.
Raised on a dairy farm near Sunderland Ontario, mom went on to begin her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Brooklin Ontario. A dedicated teacher, she continued her professional growth by completing a 2 year post-secondary program in teaching the deaf. Her 32 years teaching at Sir James Whitney School (O.S.D.) in Belleville were both rewarding and impactful. In her busy life, raising her family, teaching full time and juggling the crazy schedule of a CNR trainman, mom always remained true to her priorities of family, being of service and her profession. Her daughters cherish the sense of family, strong work ethic and the values passed on to them by both of their parents. Mom will be remembered for her intellect, laughter, love of music, continual quest for knowledge, commitment to fairness, and most of all a strong character with a loving nature. Following in the Sandford tradition of loving train travel, mom moved across the country to Victoria with her belongings and car on the train in 1992 to be closer to her girls. Typically, she embraced her new home and surroundings by taking courses at U Vic, being of service to her community volunteering at Government House and Oak Bay Seniors Centre, joining the Art Gallery and Royal Museum, and last but not least, being an integral part of the lives of her daughters and grandson.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Chemainus Health Care Centre and to Dr. Manhas for his kind and thoughtful nature in his care of mom.
At mom's request, internment and a gathering will take place in Belleville, Ontario at a later date.
If you wish, donations to Chemainus Health Care Foundation, specifically to Chemainus Health Care Centre In Memory of Shirley Sandford, would be appreciated. Details on how to donate can be found at: www.chemainushealthcarefoundation.ca
Condolences may be shared at: www.hwwallacecbc.com.
HW Wallace Cremation & Burial