Sandra Marie Usifer

It is with great sadness that we the family of Sandra Marie Usifer, age 78, announce the peaceful passing of our Mother, at home, in Whycocomagh, on December 31st, 2023 after a very brief illness. Mom was lovingly cared for and surrounded by her children. 

Born in Neils Harbour, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Ida Jackson of Ingonish. Mom is survived by her two brothers, Gerald (Marilyn) Jackson, Jimmy (Sandra) Jackson, sister-in-law Shirley Jackson and brother-in-law Bert Doucette. 

Mom is also survived by her six children who were the loves of her life, Steve (Donna) Lawrence; Sue (Joe) Beck; Sharon (Mike) Tobin; Dave (Jeannine) Usifer; Deborah (Billy) MacPherson and Danny (Nicole) Usifer. Mom was also a cherished grandmother, “Nannie Crumpet” to 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren as well as a cherished cousin and very special Auntie to an extended family of nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her partner Charlie MacDonald, her siblings Sandford Jackson, Marion Doucette, Terry Jackson, Stephen Jackson and Beverly Braunmiller as well as her children’s father, Larry Usifer and special niece Laura Jackson.

Sandra was a devoted mom who enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, gathering together frequently for “fam jams” where there was always singing, music, laughing and memories being made.

Mom spent over 30 years as a Justice of the Peace for the Province of Nova Scotia and officiated 447 weddings.

This allowed her the opportunity to meet many wonderful people over the years. She was always so honoured to be able to share in their very special day and maintained these friendships over the years.  Mom had the privilege of officiating three of her children’s weddings along with a cousin and a nephew’s wedding as well as some of her close friends. She finished her career with her last wedding of that of her oldest grandson.

Mom had a wonderful circle of close friends from Newfoundland that she loved and she always looked so forward to spending time with them a couple times a year.  Additionally, Mom cherished her wonderful group of girlfriends near and far especially her dear friends Annie Hanley and Kay Moore.  Thank you for the years of friendship Mom cherished with you all. 

Our family wants to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Monica LaFrance, Mom’s longtime physician, palliative care team, Dr. John Ritter and a heartfelt and special thank you to RN Paulette Levin, Mom’s nurse and special friend, who has so compassionately helped guide us through these last two months. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our “Honorary Handler #7”.  We would also like to extend our sincerest thank you to Tara and Tim Milburn who so graciously provided our family with the most special gift of the ability to be so close to our Mother during her hospital stay.

Mom lived her life with this mantra “Have an Attitude of Gratitude” and lived this everyday. She was so grateful for all of her friendships and experiences that she had in her life.  This is the attitude she would want us all to take with us as we move forward. 

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial service will be held at Ingonish United Church in Ingonish on Saturday January 20th  at 1 p.m. There will be no visitation. A graveside ceremony will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hospice Society at Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour or the Hospice Society of Victoria County or charity of your choice.