Sandra "Sandi" Edna (Wamboldt) Nelson
It is with great sadness that the family of Sandra "Sandi" Edna (Wamboldt) Nelson (Mom/nannie), announces her passing on November 27, 2020 after a determined and courageous battle with cancer.
Throughout her life, Sandi was about hard work, kindness, and taking care of others. Born in Truro on July 29, 1950, daughter of the late Lawrence and mary Wamboldt. She spent summers in Lunenburg as a child, a place near and dear to her heart. Sandi was very close to Aunt Ethel Lohnes and her Nannie Edna Wamboldt, both of whom were a key part of her life. Lunenburg continued to be a special place to Sandi spending time there with her children, grandchildren and husband.
Mom met Dad, Phillip in May 1966 which began a loving relationship of 55 years. They were married in March, 1973, building a life in five provinces across Canada. Phil and Sandi had many adventures together camping, travelling, cruising and exploring. Favorite memories included their trip to Hawaii, a cruise from Barcelona to Norway, and skiing in Maine with family and friends. Sandi’s family and friends meant everything to her and would be there whenever they needed her. Whether it was a sick family member needing an advocate and support or volunteering to be the best Brownie camp nurse, to welcoming her grandchildren into the world (helping deliver two of them), she was always there! Being a "Nannie" meant so much to her and she was the best at making cookies, snuggles, reading a book together and playing a mean card game. Sandi had a sharp mind and funny wit, she loved to laugh with friends and could often be found enthusiastically dancing with Phil in the kitchen.
Since she was a little girl, Sandi knew that she wanted to be a nurse to "care for people and help them feel better". Sandi graduated in 1971 from Victoria General School of Nursing. She was passionate about continuous learning and, in 1991, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dalhousie University.
Sandi’s nursing career spanned 48 years. As a proud military wife, her career had the benefit of working in surgical wards, pediatric floors, Emergency and ICU’S across Canada. Sandi was part of the original nursing staff that opened the Cobequid Health Centre, working there for 32 years. During that time, along with a colleague, she researched and received funding for an Asthma Teaching Clinic which continues to run today. In 2001, Sandi became the Quarantine Officer for Public Health and Government Services Canada for the Atlantic Region. Long before quarantine and health concerns were an everyday conversation, Sandi was often behind the scenes protecting Canadians. Her passion for providing the best possible health care lead Sandi to become a Clinical Instructor of Nursing at Dalhousie. Sandi spent four years teaching her students the right skills and knowledge also considering the need for empathy, kindness and quality care. Sandi was proud of her students, and their efforts. The teacher in her still existed even in her last months when new student nurses were part of taking care of her, she never missed an opportunity for teachable moments.
Sandi is survived by her husband, Phillip, daughter, Kari-anne (Matthew), Dartmouth; son, Cory (Christie) Coquitlam, B.C.; grandchildren, Lauren, Patrick, Harlan, Emmett, and Zellia; brother, Ed, Truro; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; her many nieces and nephews. She loved them all dearly. Sandi was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Mary Wamboldt; and brother, Jack (Colleen) Wamboldt.
Sandi was provided exceptional care by many amazing health care professionals. Special thank you to Dr. Cindy Marshall, Dr. Jim Bentley, Dr. Stephanie Scott, the staff of angels at VG Site, QEII on 5A, and the wonderful staff of Hospice Halifax. The care and empathy you showed is the way health care should be provided for all. Sandi was also grateful to her many colleagues at the Cobequid who were always there for her.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the celebration to honour Sandi and the wonderful life she led will be postponed. A funeral will be held at a later date, with burial in Pleasant Valley. In honour of Mom and the battle she fought, donations can be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada at ovariancanada.org or Hospice Halifax at hospicehalifax.ca, through Dana L. Sweeny Funeral home, Lunenburg.
www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca