Irwin, Sandra Lorraine - passed away peacefully in the company of her daughters on July 20, 2022, at the age of 86. Born in Glace Bay in 1936, she was the daughter of the late Evelyn (Buckland) and Kenneth Johnson, and grew up the youngest of three children, with older brothers Lorne and Carl. While still in school, she worked part-time at Silbert's corner store, and later at Woolworth's on Commercial Street. She enjoyed speed skating, softball, and basketball, graduating from Morrison High School in 1952, and from the Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro in 1953.

As the wife of a military chaplain, she lived and worked in many places across Canada as a teacher, and in later years at West Kings District High School where she was both school librarian and costume designer for several musical productions. She led and sang in various church choirs and was also a member of the Kings Chorale. She was always up to date with current events, but still made time to enjoy her Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens.  An avid book lover, Sandra enjoyed reading and discussing a wide variety of books with her book club friends.

She was fond of travelling and made several trips to Europe with family and friends.

A proud Cape Bretoner, Sandra had a passion for music of all kinds, especially traditional music, and took joy in supporting local artists.  She loved to watch a myriad of birds, who in turn loved to visit her colourful flower gardens. Sandra retired from teaching in 1996 which allowed her to spend more time in her much-loved summer home in Weymouth. She was always delighted to be recognized and praised by former students, some of whom she had taught sixty years earlier.

Sandra was predeceased by husband, Eric Irwin, and brother, Lorne (June) Johnson, Trenton, ON.  She is survived by brother, Carl Johnson, St. Catharines, ON, daughter, Joanne Irwin, Greenwood, NS, daughter, Susan (Michael) Frenette, Bedford, NS, grandson, Liam Frenette, Halifax, NS, and furry friend, Daisy. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022, in St. Mary's Anglican Church, 20 Morden Rd., Auburn. Rev. Mel Malton officiating. Interment will take place in Cape Breton at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to any Nova Scotia Food Bank, or the SPCA. The online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com