It is with great sadness that we announce Sandra's passing on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at the age of 45 at her home in Pancake Bay, ON. She is survived by her husband Terry Laughren and stepsons Jeremy Laughren and Curtis Laughren, parents, Joe and Yvonne Mulroney; sisters, Susan Preston,Shari Sampson (Randy): brothers, Barry Mulroney (Nicole), Thomas Mulroney (Lorie); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a legion of friends, co-workers and teammates. She was predeceased by stepson Patrick Laughren in 2005. Sandra was born in Sault Ste. Marie and attended White Pines High School in Sault Ste Marie graduating in 1983 as an Ontario Scholar. She received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen's University in 1987 and began a successful 20 year career as an Occupational Therapist at Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital and Boswell General Hospital in Sun City, AZ.
Sandra was an accomplished athlete participating in all kinds of sports while growing up and excelling in long distance running and the sport passion of her life, curling. She established running records in the Sault
Ste. Marie area in the 1980's that remain today and in 1983 was chosen as the recipient of Sault Ste. Marie's Female Athlete of the Year. After moving to Saskatchewan in 1989 she went on to compete as a representative for Saskatchewan at the Canadian Women's Curling Championship, the Scott Tournament of Hearts, in 1996, 2002 and 2004. She also participated on teams from Saskatchewan that vied for the right to represent Canada at the Olympics in 1998 and 2002. She was one of only two females in Canada that qualified through competition to compete in each of the first three Olympic Curling Trials. Teams that she competed with were runners up in both the 2001 Olympic Curling Trials as well as the 2002 Scott Tournament of Hearts.
Sandra was also actively involved as a volunteer in both the Saskatchewan Association of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists as well as curling clubs and curling events in Saskatoon.
Sandra was passionate about all sports, a love she shared with softball teammates and with Terry and friends at Saskatoon Golf and Country Club for many years as well as with fellow snowbirds during the winter months in Arizona.
She will be remembered as a kind, compassionate and generous daughter, sister, wife, mother, teammate, co-worker and friend. Her family will forever cherish memories of summer trips to the Grandmas, raucous card and board games, and family get togethers. She will be greatly missed and will live forever in our hearts.
Family and Friends may call at the Northwood Funeral Home & Cremation Services (942 Great Northern Road Sault Ste Marie, ON 705-945-7758) on Tuesday September 22, 2009 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Memorial Service well be held on Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Sandra's childhood friend, Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. The memorial service will be followed by a luncheon in the lower level of Northwood Funeral Home.
Cremation will be performed and a private burial will take place at a later date.
There will be a celebration of Sandra's life held at a later date in Saskatoon, SK.
Sandra asked that you perform a random act of kindness today and everyday and in lieu of flowers please consider donations to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation in her memory, The Canadian Cancer Society or a charitable organization of your choice.
Sandra would also conclude all discussions with her signature statement- You take care of You.