It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sandy, our cherished sister, aunt, niece, and friend.

Born in Taber, AB on March 20, 1951, she was the youngest daughter of Margaret and Jack Pierson. The family moved to Medicine Hat when she was two years of age. Sandy later graduated from Medicine Hat High School in 1970. In the fall of that year Sandy came to Calgary to enter the Foothills Hospital Nursing Program and graduated in 1973 with her R.N. This was the beginning of a very rewarding career in nursing. Sandy subsequently graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Lethbridge. Most of her thirty plus years at the Foothills Medical Centre were devoted to Orthopaedic Unit 72. Sandy considered nursing not as a job, but as a vocation.

After retiring from the Foothills Hospital she recruited nurses for the Calgary Health Region for a period of time, and later joined Mount Royal University as an instructor for the International Nursing Program – a job she dearly loved. It wasn't until Sandy became ill that we realized how well respected she was by her colleagues and students.

Sandy loved to travel and was able to fulfill some of her dreams. She travelled to Hawaii, Italy, Switzerland, both east and west coasts of Canada and the United States. Sandy's love of golf, curling, selling 50/50 tickets at the Brier, volunteering at Heritage Park (particularly Halloween), gave her great pleasure. She also dedicated her time for many years as an active member of the Canadian Orthopaedic Nurses Association. Sandy approached her illness the same way she approached life – with laughter, tenacity and courage. Our sister was a positive, happy person with a memorable laugh.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Jack Pierson; brother-in-law Steve Evack; and nephew Jonathan Evack. She is survived by sisters, Jackie Evack and Jean Miller (Ron). She was the fun auntie to Heather Tucker (Dan), Jennifer Evack, Erin Miller; and great-nephews (who made her laugh), Jesse and Luke Tucker. She is also survived by her Aunt Ruby McLachlan, Uncle Frank Macleod and numerous cousins. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all her wonderful friends who supported her throughout her life and illness. A special thank you to Agape Manor, Hospice Calgary, Kathy Bach Paterson, Dr. Martin Labrie and Dr. Ken Cody. You made Sandy's journey a little easier.

Interment held on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Taber Cemetery. A Celebration of Sandy's Life was held on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calgary Winter Club (4611 – 14 Street N.W.). If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588 or to Hospice Calgary, 1245 – 70th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8.

In living memory of Sandy Pierson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot Chapel, Calgary.

From obituary published in the Calgary Herald on May 26, 2011