Sandra Marie Price (nee Duffin)

December 7, 1955 – September 17, 2025

 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and dear friend, Sandra Price.

Sandra passed away at the age of 69 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital with her devoted husband Murray Price of 52 years holding her hand. Sandra is also survived by her sons Thomas and Brent (Curtis); daughter Bonnie; grandchildren Sadie, Trent, and Ashlynn; brothers Tom (Marylin), Frank (Carrolle-Lynn), Jim (Larissa), Pat (Kenora), Mike (Marylin), Bob (Karen), and Bill; her beloved extended family members from the Sparrow and Duffin clans; and her dear in-laws in the Price family. Predeceased are her parents Thomas and Frances Duffin and sister Sally Greenway.

Sandra was born into a large and vibrant family, abundant in number, presence, and strength of voice; the Duffin clan of Tom and Frances eventually levelled out at nine children, representing big people, big laughs, and big personalities. She has been heard recounting that she was drawn to her older brother Mike’s military buddy, Murray, because he was ‘different’. Soon to become her husband, protector, caregiver, and friend, Murray was a soft-spoken Maritime boy that found his way to Calgary by way of his CAF service in the PPCLI. To this day, Murray shares that he loved that Sandra had such a large family, because he “loved every single one of’em”.

After practicing her child rearing skills on her many nieces, nephews, younger cousins, and godchildren for a few years, Sandra and Murray had their own three children; first Thomas (aka Tom or Tommy), then Bonnie, and her baby boy, Brent. The kids were raised as base brats at CFB Penhold for several years before moving into the big city of Red Deer, back to the base, and then back to Red Deer again. These were busy times filled with the strategic challenges of managing three kids, all with different hobbies and sports. Sandra always said the best years of her life were those that were spent raising her babies, including summers at Pine Lake in a simple, small holiday trailer, the countless trips to Papa and Grandma Duffin’s house in Calgary, and the family’s first (of many) big voyage to the east coast for Murray to show the kids his homeland.

While raising a family with Murray, Sandra entered the world of taxes and banking. The glass ceilings started to shatter as she decided she would rise from a seasonal tax professional to managing the tax office, then to a job as a part time bank teller before ascending all the way to a branch manager. Her legacy includes the countless mentors, mentees, peers, and clients that were a part of her story at TD Canada Trust locations across central and southern Alberta through the years. Sandra collected awards, prizes, plaques, and Champions trips while she clambered up the hierarchy, often pulling other worthy, sassy, smart girlfriends up with her along the way. As part of her plan to kick in the door of the old boys club of banking, she learned to golf; a hobby that Murray quickly picked up as well, leading them on many happy golfing vacations over the years. Sandra also destination golfed with Colleen, whom everyone knows was always introduced as her childhood chum, as well as her (in)famous and tenacious ‘bank ladies’ gang, her siblings and their wives, and many other friends.

Though Sandra had a special place in her heart for all the ‘kidlets’ produced by both her family and friends, reveling in her title of ‘Auntie Sandie’, nothing brought her such joy as her three grandchildren who lovingly called her Nana. Sadie was her first grandbaby, born to her own first child, Tom, and her daughter-in-law Sheena. Later that same year, her only grandson came along, born to her only daughter, Bonnie. Two years passed and the trio of grandchildren was completed by the addition of Tom and Sheena’s second child and current title holder of baby of the family, Ashlynn. Sandra’s son Brent also proudly boasted two fur-babies (Douglas and Howard), and while the rest of the dog loving Prices rejoiced in this, Sandra was tolerant, at best, of the canine contributions.

Sandra’s life was again busy for the next 18 years as she rocked her new crop of babies to sleep at every chance, gave them extra treats against their parents’ wishes, watched every cheer class, soccer practice, football game, and school concert possible, slipped unauthorized 20’s into teenage hands like she was passing notes in class, and was able to see all three of her grandbabies proudly show off their first cars. She was one hell of a Nana, matched by Murray in his role as Papa.

When her career in bank management wound down, Sandra retired, declaring that she would use her new spare time to read, golf, relax, and travel…this lasted about 3-5 seconds before she was back at the bank to work ‘just a fun little hobby job’ as a part time teller and unofficial subject matter expert. She thoroughly enjoyed being back in the wicket, serving clients directly and networking. Sandra again retired from the bank earlier this year, but only due to health complications, as she never stopped loving her work.

If so desired, those wanting to make donations in Sandra’s memory are encouraged to contribute to the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, any women’s health charity, or any Canadian Veteran’s charity.

A celebration of life for Sandra will be held at the Red Deer Funeral Home & Celebration Centre on Saturday October 4, 2025, at 1:00PM, with afternoon reception and refreshments to follow. Address: 6150 67 St, Red Deer.

• Date : 2025-09-17
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home