SANDRA CAROLE SWYSTUN

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SANDRA CAROLE SWYSTUN

Sandra Swystun passed away peacefully in her sleep at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg in the early morning of November 1, 2025 after a years long battle with cancer.

Sandra was born in Winnipeg on April 13, 1957 and was predeceased by her parents, Maureen and Nestor. Left to cherish her memory are her sister Pamela and brothers, Robert and Jeffrey, as well as countless friends and extended family members.

Sandra always excelled academically. She made the Dean's List in Commerce at University of Manitoba and at Osgoode Hall in Toronto where she earned her law degree. Prior to those accomplishments, Sandra completed grade 13 at Neuchâtel Junior College, a private international school located in the French-speaking town of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Living with a Swiss family introduced her to European culture and helped her to become bilingual. This experience sparked a wanderlust she followed thereafter.

Sandra articled in Winnipeg and went on to take positions with the federal government in Ottawa and later joined a notable firm in Toronto. She returned to Winnipeg and worked at the Manitoba Department of Justice and soon after, two national agriculture corporations. A stickler for details, her knowledge of law and negotiation made her an invaluable asset. When she eventually retired, she worked a term at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and taught ESL to Spanish speaking newcomers.

Sandra was an ever loyal friend. She kept in touch with girlfriends from kindergarten to those she met during her career. She was the master spirit of her book club and delighted in hosting dinner parties or a back deck barbeque. With her traveling companions, Sandra visited several places in Europe, the US, Latin America and Canada. She especially adored France and Spain, visiting many times.

Sandra was an avid patron of museum and art gallery gift shops when traveling and she loved to send 'wish you were here' cards during her travels from places like MOMA or The Louvre.

Sandra was active in sports right up to her university years especially in gymnastics, and was a keen follower of the sport ever after.

Sandra was generous and thoughtful, a mentor to many and did much volunteer work over the years. To those she cared for, she was a great source of support and will be dearly missed.

During Sandra's treatment, she assisted CancerCare Manitoba as a patient-partner, successfully working to help the organization receive vital research grants.

Sandra requested no formal service. You are welcome to make a charitable donation to CancerCare Manitoba, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights or the Winnipeg Humane Society in honour of her memory.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2026