Sandy (Sam) Mintenko
It is with very heavy hearts that we advise of the sudden passing of our wife, sister, aunt and friend Sandy on December 23, 2023.
Sandy was many things to so many people, always with a smile and a positive attitude.
She will be missed by so many, especially her husband Pat, and their furbabies, Apollo, Tabby, Pepsi and Lucky Ducky.
Sandy will also be greatly missed by her stepson Nick (Ashley) and grandchildren Harper, Jensen and Maddox as well by her sisters and brothers-in-law Cheryle, Betty (Richard), Gail and Mandee (Dave), brother-in-law, Alex (Erin) and sisters-in-laws, Dolly, Pauline and Bonnie, her many nieces and nephews who she developed special bonds with and also by her great nieces and nephews.
Sandy has been predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Jean Collard, her brothers-in-law, Peter and Don, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Nick and Pauline Mintenko, brother-in-law, John and sisters-in-law Veronica and Patricia.
Forever a Cowgirl, "Sam", found her Cowboy, Pat, later in life in Thunder Bay and came back to the Sudbury area to live the dream on Stormi's Acres.
Beloved by her close-knit family and friends, she spent her days outdoors-riding horses, tractors and trailblazing along the Vermillion River.
And when she wasn’t riding her trails, she and Pat were walking them with their dogs and feeding the chickadees along the way.
Kind and gentle, she shared her love of nature and passion for horseback riding with her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Encouraging everyone to "saddle up".
Her love of horses, was not to be outdone by her love for boating. In the summer, Sandy and Captain Pat could be found cruising the lazy river-making sun soaked memories and living life to the fullest.
A result of Sandy’s positive outlook can be found in the following passage written by her niece Emily.
One of the greatest fortunes in my life is having been blessed with my aunties. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if it weren’t for them. I am forever grateful for the love they’ve given me and their impact on me.
Aunt Sam has taught me many things in life. Like working hard for the things you love, really isn’t work at all, and when it is time to relax, to enjoy the simple things. Like sitting on the back porch with a glass of iced tea and playing endless games of thirty-one. (I owe my deck shuffling skills to her).
She was kind and warm, and had a whistle that’d make anyone envious (something no matter how often we tried, I could not master).
Aunt Sam helped fuel my love of all animals and nature. She allowed me to explore both with her love and encouragement. My weeks with her and Uncle Pat are some of my most cherished memories.
All my milestones, she and my aunties have always been there. I couldn’t imagine doing any life event without her there and I know a piece will be missing moving forward.
I am so thankful my Winnie got to experience the magic that is my three aunties, even if just for a short time. I will always remember and cherish the memory of them coming to see her, not even a day old, in the hospital, all of them dressed in pink, with their heads one by one poking around the door saying ‘It’s me’ as they enter.
My life is brighter because they’ve been in it.
I will forever miss my Aunt Sam and although things won’t be the same without her, I know she will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.
In respecting Sandy’s wishes there will be no funeral service. Should you wish to make a donation in her memory, donations could be made to the Ontario SPCA Sudbury and District.
Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.