Sandra Elizabeth Shortt (Topping)
Dec. 16, 1964 – Jan. 8, 2025

Sandra Elizabeth Shortt (Topping) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, pets and her plants on Jan. 8, 2025, after a six year long battle with cancer. Her brief time with us was filled with love and resilience that touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. 

On Dec. 16, 1964, a pretty little girl with hazel-coloured eyes and light brown hair was born at the Union Hospital in Moose Jaw. She weighed 7 lbs., 6-3/4 oz. when she was born. She was quite a pale baby and had to take special medicine to increase her blood count. Raised in Shellbrook, Sask., Sandy attended school at W.P Sandin Composite High School and graduated in 1982. She moved to Saskatoon, then lived in Calgary where she met and married the love of her life, Frank, on the 26th day of January in 1990 at Ulua Beach in Hawaii. She then settled with her husband in Rocky Mountain House and started her family.

A devoted wife to Frank and a loving mother to only child, Brooke, Sandra embodied strength and compassion throughout her life. Sandra’s greatest joy came from being a grandmother to Isaac. The bond Sandy shared with her daughter was profound; she delighted in watching her grow and raise her grandson while imparting wisdom through stories filled with laughter and love. 

Sandy was a dedicated animal lover and rescuer — and that’s to say the least. And all animals loved her, too. She was surrounded by pets and farm animals growing up and until the very end. An avid plant collector, she had a green thumb for succulents and cacti. 

Sandra is survived by husband Frank; daughter Brooke; grandson Isaac; two brothers: Roger (Debbie) of P.A, Sask., and George Topping of Shellbrook, Sask.; nieces and nephews that she cared about deeply; and all who loved her. We can’t forget dog Heidi and cats Jagger and Hexley. 

Sandra was predeceased by parents Joan and Jack Topping, father-in-law Vic Shortt, two brothers: Michael and David Topping, and AJ, her loyal sidekick of 15 years. 

She faced every challenge with grace and determination — most notably during her courageous battle against cancer. Sandy began and won her first battle with breast cancer in 2011, and then again in 2018 she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer — unfortunately, when it was discovered, it was stage four metastatic.
For the past six years Sandy, fought cancer through hundreds of different chemo treatments, radiation and surgeries, but somehow she remained an unwavering source of support for her family and friends. Her spirit shone brightly even in the darkest moments; she inspired those around her to cherish each day as a gift. Please, remember Sandy’s story and always trust your intuition.

To know Sandra was to experience warmth — a hug that lingered long after it ended — and kindness that left an indelible mark on all who crossed her path. Her legacy is one of unconditional love; she had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special and valued. Friends often remarked how they felt uplifted by just being near her radiant presence. In times of need or celebration alike, Sandra’s heart was always open wide.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Compassionate Care Hospice Society — a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate quality care for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses like those experienced by our Sandy. 

A service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.