It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandra Lee Callebert (née Manicom), who left us on May 26, 2026, at Woodstock Hospital. Born on March 21, 1954, in Norwich, Ontario, Sandra lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Sandra was a trailblazer in every sense. As the very first female Lion within her community’s Lions Club, she paved the way for many women to follow. Her leadership was remarkable, becoming the club’s first female president and the first female zone chair for the district. Her service extended beyond these titles, as she chaired the national youth exchange and vendor shows, always ensuring that efforts were impactful and inclusive. Her passion for community work was evident in all she undertook, and her home was famously known as a revolving door for her children’s friends and neighbors alike, a true testament to her open heart and welcoming spirit.

A loving and devoted mother, Sandra was proud beyond measure of her children and grandchildren. Her husband Henri, together since their marriage in 1975, stood beside her through the years, sharing a life filled with love and partnership. Her children, Heather Collins (and her husband Ryan) and Matthew Callebert (alongside his wife Elizabeth Wintermute), and her cherished grandchildren, Allisa, Logan, Olive, and Rhett, meant the world to her. The family she cherished was further enriched by her siblings Jim, Kim Grawburg (and husband Lynn), and Michelle Hinks (and husband Jeff), as well as her sisters-in-law Nicky and Chantelle Pearson (the latter joined by Mike Biro), and her mother-in-law Jacqueline Callebert. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly. The family mourns the loss alongside the memory of her parents Lyle and Norma Manicom, her late brother Ron and father-in-law Henry E. Callebert.

Known for her stubborn streak, Sandra balanced this with a deeply caring nature that was felt by everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was a mother through and through, carrying a legacy of nurturing and pride in the next generations of her family. Beyond her community and family roles, Sandra had a creative soul; she loved crafting stories and poems and was diligently working on a children’s book, a project that underscored her enduring dedication to nurturing young minds and hearts.

May her memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who knew her.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, SickKids Hospital, or Thrombosis Canada would be greatly appreciated.