Sandra Durdle (nee Super)

April 15, 1958 - January 1, 2025

In Loving Memory ~

Our family sadly announces that Sandra Durdle (born April 15, 1958, in Port Alberni) passed away peacefully January 1, 2025 after a fierce battle with lymphoma. Predeceased by her parents Matt and Helen Super (nee Bedek), she is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Michael; daughters Andrea Durdle (Lindsay) and Katryna Jenniss (Brian), former daughter in-law Sarah Crane; grandchildren Nathan, Ben, Edison and Logan; brothers Rick and David Super; sisters-in-law Sally Michaelis (Randy), Mary Durdle (Darrell), Teresa Durdle (Scott) and Anita Durdle; nephews Alex Michaelis (Kathryn), Andrew Hoggan (Jamie), Patrick Hoggan (Heather), Kyle Parisien; nieces Fallon Parisien (David), Laura Michaelis, Natasha Grsic, Cassandra Grsic (Newe); many great nieces and nephews; Sandra's cousins and their families and her many very special friends here and around the world.

In 1963 her family moved to Nanaimo where she remained, making many friends and living a large and exuberant life. She and Michael met at Malaspina College (now VIU) in 1976 and never parted, marrying in 1979 and loving each other for over 48 years.

Sandra earned a teacher's certificate from UVic in 1980 and loved being with young children. She taught primary grades as a substitute teacher for several years before becoming the long-time manager at Sears Portrait Studio in the late 80's and early 90's, allowing her to combine her love of children and passion for photography; in recent years, she volunteered at a local daycare (loving all the exuberant energy).

Nothing gave her greater joy than her children and especially her grandchildren; no mama bear was fiercer in advocating for them! Sandra was all-in on all her personal relationships - if she was on your side, heaven help the opposition. But her heart was large and generous.

Sandra loved life: her family and good friends; good wine and food; all of nature, especially ocean and forest and animals; the moon, the sun (and her Mexican vacations); volunteering with sports groups and many local charities and fundraisers; travelling with Michael; and driving that sporty Civic 6-speed just a little bit over the speed limit.

She played volleyball for Malaspina, ladies' soccer, mixed slow-pitch and was a member of the Nanaimo Track and Field club. Sandra and Michael often walked the seawall and trails around Nanaimo, from Buttertubs Marsh to Neck Point to Ammonite Falls. Her pace was never slow!

Picnics at Rathtrevor, even in winter, always included a nice bottle of Rose' and double dark chocolate truffles. Then some beachcombing for shells and rocks, listening to the waves; home for a light dinner, and a blanket on the couch, watching her British mysteries on TV, and holding hands with Michael.

Rest in Peace, Sandra; you have earned it by stirring up and illuminating our lives!

Love you forever.

A Celebration of Life for Sandra Durdle will be held at Branch 256 Legion (Quarterway) 1630 E. Wellington Road, Nanaimo, BC on Saturday March 29, from 1PM - 4PM. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider donating to the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society.

Food will be provided, including sandwich, veggie, fruit and sweets platters, Alcohol will be available but the bar is no-host - meaning that individuals will pay for their own alcoholic beverages.

There will be opportunities to speak, either to the group as a whole or in private and personal conversation. If people cannot attend in person, I will encourage them to send a message to be read or alternately a photo or video clip for our slideshow.

Please pass the word to others who may not have heard about this. Thanks to everyone for their love and support.