Sandra (Sandy) Ann Moore (née: Lehto)

November 3rd, 1957 - May 22nd, 2024

 

There are no words to express the deep pain and sorrow we feel in announcing the loss of our mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Sandy Moore.  Sandy was a warm, kind, and caring person who lit up every room with her joy and laughter.  She loved taking care of others and this spilled over into her life’s work.  Sandy lost a quick and aggressive battle with breast cancer on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024.  Her cancer journey was unexpected and unforgiving, and we know that, if she had any choice, she would still be with us and her grandkids.  We are beyond sad and will miss her with our whole hearts. 

She was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1957 to Mary and William Lehto, the youngest of 5 children for quite a while before the appearance of her younger brother 8 years later.  Sandy attended Barrhill School until grade 4 then spent 2 years at Dorothy Dalgliesh Elementary School before attending high school beginning in grade 7 at Picture Butte High School.  After graduation in 1976, Sandy went on to study Law Enforcement at Lethbridge College.  Sandy met the love of her life, Cameron Moore in 1978, while in Lethbridge attending college.

After they met, Sandy and Cam were practically inseparable, and it was clear to everyone who knew them that they were soul mates.  Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married May 2nd, 1981, in Lethbridge, Alberta.  Their honeymoon was put on hold as Cam went straight to work as a police officer, having been hired by Moose Jaw City Police.  Sandy soon started her job at the Moose Jaw Transition House, where she spent 12 years, before moving to the Department of Child and Family Services, Child Protection with the Government of Saskatchewan.  While working at the Transition House, Sandy took night classes to obtain her bachelor’s degree in social work.  We often talk about people who work for the government as “public servants”.  We truly believe that Sandy and Cam were some of the clearest examples of people who genuinely gave their all to serve the public.  Sandy continued her career in social work for an astonishing 38 years, all because she was passionate about the “good that she could do”.  In that long and impactful career, she touched many lives and served many children and families.

After their marriage, Sandy and Cam couldn’t wait to start a family of their own and their children meant the world to them.  They welcomed their daughter, Chelsea in 1985, and son, Brady in 1989.  Chelsea married Michael McLeod in 2005 and had 3 children.  Sandy made certain that her children knew she was always there for them under any circumstance, no matter the difficulty or the time.  Second only to her role as a mother, Sandy treasured her role as a grandparent.  She held precious all of the time she spent with her grandchildren: Jordynn, Levi, and Kynleigh.  Grandma Sandy would always jump at the chance to help drive them to their activities and cheer them on at sports events or school concerts. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Cam; parents, Mary and Bill Lehto; brother, Larry Lehto; and brother-in-law, Russ Johnson.  Sandy is survived by her children, Chelsea (Michael) McLeod and Brady Moore; grandchildren: Jordynn, Levi, and Kynleigh McLeod; sisters: Diane Johnson, Shirley (Kevin) Petty, and Brenda (Gary) Cleghorn; brother, Wayne Lehto; mother-in-law, Marian (Andy) Moore; sister-in-law, Carol (Dave) Moore; as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and their children.

A Celebration of Sandy’s Life will be held on Friday, May 31st, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Sandy’s family would be grateful for any donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 to further cancer research so that fewer families may find themselves here, saying goodbye to a loved one much too soon, robbed by this horrible disease. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com