Sandra Mary Rohatyn

Mrs. Sandra Rohatyn, beloved wife of Mr. Melvin ÒMelÓ Rohatyn of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away on Friday, March 2nd, 2007 at the age of 48 years.

Sandra also leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Carla (Justin) Taupert of Medicine Hat; one son, Steven Rohatyn of Edmonton; one grandson, Brayden; her parents, Alphonse and Patricia Stang; one brother, Michael (Wanda) Stang and family and one sister, Cheryl (Jim) Larter and family, both of Estevan; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Glenn Collins) Morine of Medicine Hat, Donna (Terry) Gilroy and family of Regina, and Russ Rohatyn and his daughter of Bienfait; special uncle, Father Egbert Stang; mother and father-in-law, Steve and Lorraine Rohatyn of Estevan; special puppy friend, Oreo; as well as numerous aunties and uncles. Sandra was predeceased by her special friends, Karen Stephen (Davidson) and Darryl Davidson; as well as other special loved ones.

Sandra Mary Stang was born and raised in Estevan. Throughout her childhood and teen years, Sandra was a champion at track and field Ð she was the tiny girl what could run like the wind, enabling her to win numerous medals and awards both locally and provincially. Her enthusiasm, determination, strength and pride gave her that Òjust do itÓ trait, one of many. Sandra carried these fine traits throughout her life. She was a gamer, a true competitor, determined she could accomplish anything she challenged.

During SandraÕs teen years, she met a young man named Mel. They became friends so much so that on October 29th, 1977 they were married in the little town of Bienfait, Saskatchewan. Sandra and Mel lived briefly in Estevan during which time their first pride and joy was born, a daughter named Carla. That baby was now the big focus in SandraÕs life. She loved babies and now she had her own. A few years later, their second pride and joy was born, a son named Steven. ÒCool, now I have a perfect pair,Ó she would say. In 1980, the family moved from the city to country, yes, taking the city girl to the farm. Sandra took this step like no other. Once again her traits led her to challenge this farm life on their new home north of Bienfait to the maximum. SandraÕs love of the outdoors grew even larger. She embraced living in the country, bringing up her children in her fun and loving way. Sandra loved family, the gatherings on the farm were celebrations of life to her, and it gave her that sparkle in her eyes. Sandra loved being a homemaker, bringing up her children without the interference of having to work out of the home was the choice Sandra dreamed of, her perfect way. Hockey, figure skating, baseball, swimming, camping Ð oh my god, the list goes on Ð always busy with the kids made SandraÕs life most enjoyable.

In the mid 90Õs, Sandra and Mel made the decision to move from the country to the city, Estevan once again became home. SandraÕs pride and joys were growing up now, experiencing their own lives so she decided to try working out of the home. Sandra worked for Topline Rentals, a company run by her best friends. Then in 1995, a little angel came into SandraÕs life, a grandson named Brayden. Well, this little guy was the biggest prize that Sandra would cherish. Spending as much time with this new grandson was always top priority.

Living in the city allowed Sandra and Mel some free time in their lives, giving them the opportunity to become addicted to golf. Yes, once again Sandra excelled in a sport she grew to love. Sandra became a great player of the game. Her natural abilities soon made her a champion at this sport, allowing her wins in many tournaments. But the best of golf was her two, yes two, hole-in-one feats. Sandra would tease everyone that hole-in-ones were ÒeasyÓ, Ònothing to itÓ, ÒletÕs see you get one.Ó Yes, again those strong character traits made Sandra shine.

In 1999, Mel and Sandra moved to Medicine Hat, a new path of life, a new challenge. It did not take long before more new friends were made, making life fun and exciting in a different surrounding. Sandra loved her dearest friends, but she also missed something, her pride and joys. Well, it wasnÕt long after that her children and grandson moved to the Hat, making SandraÕs life once again perfect.

Life was great É until a road block came into play. In the fall of 2006, Sandra was diagnosed with breast cancer. She took this disease as a challenge, a challenge to win over. Her courage, determination, strength and willingness for life went into overdrive, she wasnÕt going to quit, no way. Sandra was bound and determined to win this battle. The love her family and friends poured out during this test of life gave Sandra all the fuel to keep her goal a reality. Unfortunately, our dear Lord called out for Sandra to come to His side. Not with the disease of cancer, but a path more tragic. Some may wonder if GodÕs way to end SandraÕs life on earth was His way to help her ÒWin The BattleÓ over cancer. SandraÕs spirit will continue to remain in all the lives she touched.

Vigil Rites (prayers) were said at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Tuesday, March 6th, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. PATRICKÕS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 238 - 2nd Avenue NE, on Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Father John L. Maes, celebrant.

As an expression of sympathy, those wishing to remember Sandra may do so with a gift to the Medicine Hat Cancer Centre, 666 - 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6, or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 - 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8.

Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to saamisfc@telusplanet.net, subject-heading Sandra Rohatyn.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, ÒThe Chapel in the ParkÓ, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.