Sandra Edwards (Fulford)

SANDRA JEAN EDWARDS — a woman of few words, but an enduring spirit — passed peacefully in her home in the small hours of Thursday, January 19th, 2023 surrounded by family. Born April 24th, 1941 to Charles Henry Fulford and Jean Elizabeth Fulford (née Steward), Sandra is survived by one daughter, Susan Elizabeth Edwards and her partner Patrick Lynch; three grandchildren – Shannon Elizabeth Morris and her husband James Robert Morris, Sarah Jean Edwards and her fiancé Andrew Michael Wilfred Mellor, and Shayne Steward Walter Ogley; and two great-grandchildren – Ayla Josephine Morris and Tobin James Morris. She leaves behind her brother, Steward Radmore Fulford and his partner Dianne Parker Messent. She will be missed by countless other friends, loved ones, and pets — as only a grandmother could be. The matriarch of a small but tight-knit brood, she lavished her family with handmade blankets, hats, and sweaters; a tangible expression of love that will continue to keep us warm, in the same way her quiet but knowing presence was capable of. Crocheted jumpers for the newborns of friends, knitted jackets for the family dog, and mismatched mittens will spark memories of her laughter and the sound of her television tuned to the latest cooking program for countless years to come. Sandra faced a great deal of adversity in her life, but developed a lasting relationship with the family that helped her overcome personal struggle: Norman and Murielle (d. 1998) Panzica, and their wonderful children Laurie, Cathy (d. 1994), Lisa, and Norman Jr. Her best friend, Shirley Bezanson (d. 2001), and her children Valerie, Joyce (d. 2017), Russell, Timmy, and Steven were the source of many stories of the deep-fried pepperoni and bright red Chevy Novas that became her calling cards. Sandra was born in Toronto but spent her childhood in Guelph. While she didn’t travel much, she did explore Canada from coast to coast throughout her life, giving birth to her daughter Susan in Vancouver in July of 1965. She was a dedicated worker, who devoted 27 years to Metro Toronto Municipal and Social Services before retiring in 1991 and settling in the Peterborough area in 1998. She was the epitome of a wallflower: sometimes friendly with the bank teller and the pharmacist, but always looking forward to her armchair and an ice-cold soda set on a coaster within reach. She will be remembered in the light of a tableside lamp, in the smell of well-worn cotton sheets, in balls of acrylic yarn, in the fizz of diet cola on a summer afternoon, and in the opening bars of any Kenny Rogers song. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Cameron House Peterborough or Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.

Sandra Edwards (Fulford)

April 24, 1941 - January 19, 2023