Sandra Helen Shiers

Sandra Helen Shiers, aged 71 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Friday, January 8th, 2016 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK, as a result of complications from her long fight with COPD.  Born in Moose Jaw, Mom was the eldest of the late Robert and Gladys Stewart.  She attended both Prince Arthur and A.E. Peacock Technical Institute.  While growing up in Moose Jaw, Mom played the bagpipes in the former Sprigs O’Heather pipe band.  After graduating high school, Mom joined the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRENS), where she met our father who was serving in the Navy.  They married in 1963 and soon after had their first set of twins.  Less than two years later, a second set of twins followed.  Four years later another son, and four more after that, another daughter.  She navigated the country with us at her side from Ontario to Moose Jaw, Nova Scotia and back again.  Mom worked as a dietary aide at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital from 1978 until her retirement in 2003.  She also worked running the River Park Campground with our father from 1992 until 2012.  It’s likely if you ever stopped in there you would have had the pleasure of meeting her.  I have never known someone to have the work ethic of our mother.  She rarely stopped moving from early morning till later in the evening, when she would finally relax to one of her favorite books.  Between times she was in constant motion, working and doing for others.  Mom always enjoyed time with family and always looked forward to hearing the latest of her children’s and grandchildren’s exploits.  With all the various activities we had as kids, Mom often joked that she was running her own taxi service.  With six children in the house, Mom was also a master mediator and able to stifle most battles before they turned into all out wars.  She did so without passing judgement, belittling or breaking our spirit.  Ever supportive and always caring.  Mom loved to travel and she would have done much more if not for her health.  She loved to visit her children when they weren’t living in Moose Jaw.  In doing so, she was able to get to Texas, Alberta and BC, and at one point, travelled to Las Vegas.  All trips that she thoroughly enjoyed.  Growing up we always had several dogs, cats, horses and other assorted animals.  Big or small, Mom could never turn away a cat or dog that one of us brought home.  Once they were in the door they became part of the family and Mom loved them dearly.  Mom persevered through the good and the bad, and had an amazing knack for turning a mountain of problems into a mole hill.  She had the tolerance of a Saint and the heart of an Angel.  Mom had the ability to overlook the most blatant flaws in most anything and extract a heartfelt quality in most anyone.  She dedicated most all her life to ensuring the well-being of her own children and was always willing to sacrifice on their behalf.  Mom possessed a kindness like no other for her family as well as a love of animals that could be matched by no other.  She was an avid reader, and possessed a subtle and dry wit that was most appreciated by those close to her.  Her departure will leave a void for all those who were lucky to have known her love.  She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Gladys Stewart.  Sandra is survived by her husband, William “Bill”, Moose Jaw; sons, Brett and Mark (Cheryl) Shiers, Moose Jaw; daughters, Crystal (Kirby) Froese and Christine (Todd) Marasse, Moose Jaw; son, Billy Shiers, St Johns, FL; daughter, LoAnne (Sandy Smith) Elk Point, AB; sister, Jackie Stewart; brother, Roger (Marianne) Stewart; grandchildren: Kanon, Maddison, Makailah, Makencie, Emily, Abby, Katy and Ella; as well several nieces and nephews.  The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 15th, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Dennis and Brenda Boyce officiating.  In lieu of flowers, a donation in Sandra’s memory may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7 or to a charity of one’s choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550