Sandra Lu Harper (McGinn), of Sackville, NB, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023, at the Cumberland Regional Health Centre at the age of 76. Sandy was someone who made the lives of everyone around her richer and brighter with her loving nature. She had a big heart and a caring soul which showed through in all her community work, generosity, and friendships.
Born in Brockville ON, Sandy lived in various places in Western Canada and Ontario (London and Ottawa) where she worked as a teacher, and for Canada Revenue Agency. In 1967 she met her husband Wayne and was married in 1968. Shortly thereafter, they had two loving children, Todd and Kristen.
After moving to Sackville, NB, in 1982, she taught life skills to adults, as well as English to new Canadians. She also had a brief stint in real estate before she purchased the clothing store, Pierrot, in 1991. In 1997 the store transitioned to The Flying A, which focused on Mount Alison University apparel. Sandy quickly became a surrogate mother for many students and thoroughly enjoyed building friendships with so many students over the years.
Sandy was devoted to her community and received the Long Term Service Award from the Town of Sackville. She was actively involved with The Rotary Club of Sackville, Meals on Wheels, CBDC, and the Sackville Chamber of Commerce where she served as its president from 2010-2012. She also served 15 years with the Sackville Downtown Redevelopment Corporation.
In retirement, Sandy thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, gardening, and playing bridge with friends in Sackville and Amherst. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Wayne to various destinations and enjoyed RVing to Florida and other destinations. As a pastime, Sandy started Silver Birch Studios, where she handmade beautiful jewelry sold in the local Farmer’s Markets and at other various venues around the Maritimes.
Sandy was the oldest of four children of Lesley McGinn and Pearl June Hunt (Fulmore).
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Wayne; her son, Todd Harper, and her grandson, Hewson Ray.
Sandra is survived by her brothers, Kevin, Greg, and Bob, by her daughter Kristen Harper (Andrew Bone), and grandchildren Marley in Halifax, and Megan and Madeleine in Ottawa ON.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300) A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the family home, 15 Morice Drive, Sackville, NB from 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation can be made in Sandy’s memory.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.