Sandra Lynne Savich

It is with extremely heavy hearts we announce the passing of Sandra Savich August 27, 2013 after numerous prolonged and difficult health battles.

Sandra Lynne Brandow was born March 27, 1955 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan to Lawrence (Larry) and Phyllis Brandow. The youngest of three daughters, her childhood years were filled with unforgettable memories of adventure and travels. Always the devoted daughter, Sandra followed her parents in their move to Vancouver Island from the Prairies and eventually to Chilliwack in the early 1970s, while her sisters and their families remained in and around the Winnipeg area.

In Chilliwack, she met and married the love of her life, Mike Savich. They married August 8, 1981, establishing their life in Chilliwack and prospering. During this time together, Sandra and Mike welcomed us, their three children: Michelle, William and Steven. Eventually adopting the biggest child, Hudson, their purebred Newfoundlander in 2007, who despite early opposition became Mom’s constant shadow.

In early 2004, Mom suffered a devastating stroke, but as a family, in true Savich form, we rallied through the good and the bad. After a shocking heart attack in 2006, we counted our lucky stars and stayed by her side. Numerous other health issues continued to plague mom since 2006, but she always fought back with immense attitude and fierce stubbornness. Even in July 2013, after her fourth heart attack, and with her own health deteriorating, mom wanted to be with Steven as he battled leukemia, wanting to constantly support him in his fight. However, Mom’s world famous stubbornness and tenacity, and our dedicated love and unwavering devotion to getting her home, could not help her beat kidney failure.

Mom was always around and assuring us three kids (make that four, or is it five) were always well looked after- we knew we always had rides to practice or to late night rehearsals. Keeping us, our teams, and our employees well fed and watered, mom was always one to be one step ahead of us. We were ever so lucky to have a Mom that never missed a parent meeting, a volunteer opportunity, a game, a performance, or a presentation. In her later years, as we all moved in our separate directions, she enjoyed her work as a security guard in and around the Chilliwack area, enjoying the individual peace and serenity that came with the position. On a few occasions, showing off some war wounds from those “you should have seen the other guy” moments. Thankfully, Mom and dad also began travelling on their own, and taking in the adventures of a semi-retired couple. Mom will forever be famous for her dry sense of humor and for being so guarded and private, but constantly giving. Mom’s ability to shop and the intricate, love-filled cross-stitch designs and gifts she made constantly for her friends and family will be cherished forever, and always.

As a family, we would like to thank the patience, time and expertise of the countless healthcare professionals, nurses, specialists and doctors at Chilliwack General, Abbotsford General and St. Paul’s Hospital who worked tirelessly to bring mom her health back. Your efforts and diligence will never be forgotten and we are grateful for the years and support you gave her and us.

Our difficult, yet supportive but irreplaceable mother is survived by her devastated husband of 32 years Mike, and us her three children; her mother, Phyllis Brandow and two sisters Sharon and Heather, and their respective families.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Kidney Foundation of Canada, British Columbia Branch or the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation: St. Paul’s Heart Center. As per mom’s final requests, and her known hatred for crowds and being the center of attention, final arrangements and goodbyes will be private family affairs. For further details, please contact McLean’s Funeral Services. Condolences and notes of sympathy can be delivered or mailed to The Savich Family c/o 4565 Lark Road Chilliwack V2R 3N5.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us- forever.”

~Helen Keller