We Remember

RYSEN, Dorothy Sandra “Sandy”

October 2, 1942 — November 20, 2024

Sandra leaves behind her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Rod Rysen; her two children, D’Atra Hunt and Matt Rysen; and her daughter-in-law, Shari Rysen. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Brandon and Melissa Rysen, Baylee Hunt and Dylan Wall, Alexa and Austin Fournier, Justin Hunt and Shanal Crane, Aidan Rysen, and Ashton Rysen. Sandra’s great-grandchildren—Elijah, Ava, Lettie, Jackson, and Ella—brought her immense joy and pride.

Sandra will also be missed by her sister, Lori Heaton, brother-in-law, Max Heaton, and her nephew, Tyler Pilling, all of Quesnel, BC.

Sandra was born on October 2, 1942, in Calgary, Alberta. During her childhood, she lived in Vancouver and Kelowna before her family settled in Quesnel, British Columbia. After completing her high school education in Quesnel, she went on to attend the University of Victoria, where she earned her teaching degree and met her future husband.

Although Sandra didn’t spend many years teaching, she made lasting memories during her time in classrooms in Wells and Quesnel. In 1975, she and Rod moved to Vernon with their two children, where they built a new chapter of their lives together.

When Sandra decided to return to the workforce, she discovered a new passion in the field of mental health. She began her career at Sunshine Lodge in Coldstream, eventually becoming the Activity Director. Her dedication to promoting mental health and her compassion for others led her to her final role as the Executive Director for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Vernon and Interior Branch, where she made a lasting impact before retiring.

Sandra lived a life full of love, laughter, and care for others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Celebration of Life: A tea to celebrate Sandra’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Canadian Mental Health Association building located at 3100 28th Ave, Vernon, BC.  This will be an informal, drop-in gathering where friends and family are encouraged to share stories, enjoy refreshments, and honour Sandra’s incredible life and contributions to the community. There will be no formal service — just time spent honouring her memory together.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch, in support of mental health initiatives, a cause that Sandra was deeply passionate about throughout her life.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location
Canadian Mental Health Association, 3100 28th Ave, Vernon, BC

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Canadian Mental Health Association Link: www.cmha.ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for RYSEN, Dorothy Sandra “Sandy” is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Canadian Mental Health Association, 3100 28th Ave, Vernon, BC

3100 28th Ave, Vernon, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Audra Kover says:
    November 30, 2024 at 10:24 am

    So sorry for your loss D’atra and family! Hugs to you all.

    Reply
  • Ronda Fredrick says:
    November 30, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    D’Atra and family, sending my sincere condolences to all of you. Love and hugs, Ronda and family

    Reply
  • Debra Pope says:
    December 1, 2024 at 1:07 pm

    My sympathies to all of Sandy’s family. She loved you all and she will be missed.
    I will miss the beautiful bride with whom I shared that special day as her flower girl💕

    Reply
  • Michele Blais says:
    December 4, 2024 at 8:43 am

    Sandy was a wonderful community colleague. I always admired how deeply she cared for the clients at CMHA and demonstrated this on a daily basis. She really made the world a better place. Loved her big smile and wonderful laugh. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

    Reply

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