It is with sadness that the family of Sandy Wood announce her death on December 21, 2021. Born in Canning, NS to Ralph and Gladys (Blenus) Sanford, she completed her early education in the Valley before graduating with her High School matriculation from Kings County Academy in 1946. She loved to tell stories about taking the train to the Academy during her final three years of school, where they would often link up with a train carrying young troops destined for the front lines of World War II.
Sandy’s life-long dream was to become a nurse and, at the age of 18, right out of high-school, she was accepted into the Saint John General Hospital Nursing program. While attending nursing school, her best friend introduced her to the love of her life, C. Tega H. Wood. Upon her graduation as an RN in 1949, Sandy moved first to Windsor, NS and then to Sackville, NB where she impressed as a skilled young nurse. Following her marriage to Tega In 1950, the couple moved to Amherst, NS where Sandy had accepted a job as a private duty nurse.
In 1951, Sandy and Tega welcomed their first and only son, Hal, followed by daughters Susan and Nancy in 1953 and 1954, respectively. Those were busy years for Sandy, so she chose to put her nursing career on a brief hiatus to look after her family. An incredible mother and homemaker, Sandy ran a very tight ship, but also ensured that there were always delicious homemade breads, doughnuts, cookies, and suppers waiting for her family. During this time, the family moved to Saint John, NB and Bathurst, NB before returning to Amherst, NS in 1958.
In 1963, Sandy returned to work as an active-duty nurse at the Highland View Regional Hospital where she began specializing in labour and delivery nursing. Two years later, much to their surprise and delight, Sandy and Tega welcomed their youngest daughter, Mary Jane. After a three-month maternity leave, Sandy returned to work where she delivered countless babies in the Cumberland region until her retirement in 1988.
Throughout her life, Sandy was an active volunteer, receiving a priory vote of thanks for her work with the Saint John Ambulance (nursing division). She was also a dedicated member of Christ Church (Anglican) in Amherst and an avid bridge player, though she would be the first to say that she was "not as good as Widge". She cherished this time spent with friends and community.
Her love of travel was palpable, and, with Tega by her side, she saw the world. Even so, her greatest love was always summer spent at her cottage in Tidnish where she gathered with friends and family for great food and summertime fun. She was a mighty presence, admirable in her conviction, and always proud and proper (manners were not optional), but also steadfast and fiercely loyal to those she loved, a caregiver through and through. Nobody could put a bandage on your knee like her.
Sandy had both great joy and deep sorrow in her life. She bravely shouldered the immense heartbreak left by the loss of her mother Gladys in 1946, husband Tega in 1991, only son Hal in 1994, and eldest daughter Susan in 2018. Despite these monumental losses, she always picked up, kept going, and never allowed herself to wallow in her grief or become a victim. Sandy was also predeceased by her father, Ralph; sisters Margaret, Mildred, and Helen; brothers Maurice "Bud", Frederick, and Eric; and sons-in-law Stephen Fudge and Mark MacNeil.
Sandy is survived by her daughters, Nancy MacNeil of Baie Verte, NB and Mary Jane Henderson (Cole) of Calgary, AB, and her daughter-in-law Norma Wood of Voorhees, NJ. She is also survived by her grandchildren Melanie, Andrew, Benjamin, Emily, David, Jamie, Aiden, Charlotte, and Malcolm; her beloved great grandchildren Kingston, Esme, Easton, Winsloe, Silas, Owen, Lily, and a new little one due in March; and special family Sandra and Jamie Blatt-Arsenault and their children.
To our very dear Mum / Granny / GG, we will miss you terribly but hold peace knowing that your suffering is over and that you have joined with Tega, Hal, and Susan. Fare thee well our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
We would like to thank her team of caretakers including Connie, Continuing Care, and VON, as well as the incredible team at the High Crest Nursing Home in Springhill, NS, where Sandy spent her final days.
Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). A funeral service will take place Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11am at the The Anglican Parish of Christ Church in Amherst, NS with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.
Donations in memory of Sandy may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.