Obituary of Sandra "Sandi" Galenza

Sandra Anne Galenza (Nee Dunnigan) passed away on Thursday May 4, 2017 at the age of 78 years. Sandra was born July 9, 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta. She was the first child of Jim and Sandra Dunnigan. Sandi is survived by her husband Gerry of fifty five years, her children Barry (Janet) Galenza of Camrose, Patrick Galenza of Sherwood Park, Janet (Yvon) de Champlain of Sherwood Park and Cheryl (Chris) Clarkson of Camrose. She was also blessed with eleven grandchildren; Charlotte, Anthony, Gillian, Alexandra, Amy, Stephanie, Nicole, Adam, Alyssa, Jesalyn, Braden and one great grandchild Heidi. She is also survived by her siblings Hugh (Audrey) Dunnigan of Spruce Grove, Mary (Leigh) Falkenburg of Edmonton, Isabelle van Essen of Edmonton, Neil (Susan) Dunnigan of Edmonton and Mike (Sheila) Dunnigan of Edmonton, and sister-in-law Pat Strocher of Calgary, numerous nieces and nephews. Sandi was predeceased by her parents Sandra and Jim Dunnigan, brother David Dunnigan , in-laws Helen and Anton Galenza and brother in-laws Dave Strocher and John van Essen and nephew Jim van Essen. Sandi graduated from St. Joseph's high school in 1957, entered the faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta and graduated in 1960. She met Gerry in Pharmacy and they were married upon graduation in August 1961. They moved to Camrose in the fall of 1962 where they purchased Groves Drug. Over the years, she served as a hospital pharmacist at St. Mary's, Rosehaven and Bethany and retired in 1997. In her retirement she enjoyed bridge, golf and travel. She enjoyed being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. In 2003, she was diagnosed with early on-set dementia. the dementia progressed to Alzheimer's in August 2014 where she became a resident of Louise Jensen (Juniper Cottage) and she resided there until her passing. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her fun loving nature and her adventuresome spirit. She lived her life to the fullest and will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. A Celebration of life service was held on Tuesday May 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm from the City Lights Church Camrose. In lieu of flowers , the family would appreciate donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Society or to the Louise Jensen Long Term Care Center or to a charity of one's choice Gerry and Family wish to thank Dr. Valerie Smith for over 15 years of exceptional dedicated care, also thank- you to all the thoughtful care given from the Louise Jensen Long Term Care staff and special thanks to Bev, Rebecca, Nevena, Leslie, Carl Ann and others for their special loving , compassionate care over the past two years.