Sandra Ann Jamieson

Sandra Ann Jamieson, 78, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at her home in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Sandra and her brother Bryan were born during WWII in difficult times, which included being sheltered during air raids.  As we began to write this obituary, we discovered a notebook where Sandra in her own handwriting had written about her early life.  We thought to share this would be special.  Sandra wrote:

“I’ve had an enchanted life.  Fortunately, my brother Bryan and I were raised by a hard-working single parent who always had more than one job to  keep the three of us together.  We were poor but Mum managed to keep food on the table and new clothes (which she paid off weekly).  For Christmas and Easter as a young girl there were three things that I wanted sooo badly.  When I grow up – a baby grand piano, an Irish setter and I wanted to be an air hostess.  Why these three things?  I don’t know!  Except for playing a triangle in school.  The kids next door had a piano.  We were not musical.  We had an old mutt of a dog who we grew up with.  A career as an air hostess was almost every young girl’s dream.  The air hostess came first.  I found out the requirements for this job and started working toward it.  I took evening classes which added up to two years in college.  I did this while working full time as a long-distance operator for the government.  My Mum, brother and I lived in a three-bedroom low income apartment.  I must have seen a photo of an Irish Setter in a magazine and thought “how cool”.  We had a wonderful mutt growing up who adored us and over the years as my love for these wonderful creatures grew, I realized that mutts are the most incredible, loving, sensitive beings.  I have a mutt right now – another story.” 

And now we shall tell you that each of these dreams came true.  Sandra became a “air hostess” for TWA stationed out of New York City, she had a baby Grand and many dogs in her life including those Irish Setters.

Sandra worked for TWA starting in the early 60’s and there meet the love of her Ken “Jamie” Jamieson in the late 1960’s.  Jamie was a Captain for TWA.  Jamie and Sandra lived in Connecticut on a lake and commuted to New York City where Sandra flew the International route.  TWA changed their requirements and Sandra went to domestic as you needed two languages to fly Internationally.  Later that requirement changed and she flew International (always in first class).  When the flight attendants went on strike, Sandra refused to cross the line and retired from TWA.  Sandra maintained her friendships with her fellow flight attendants for the remainder of her life.  Sandra would meet up with these friends at reunions (called Silver Wings).  Later she would travel with another flight attendant Pat Young,  including trips to Australia and to Palm Springs to attend Tennis matches. 

After Jamie retired in 1991, they bought an RV and toured the country, including Nova Scotia, Canada, etc.  They were seeking a place to retire.  Sandra said that Jamie’s requirement was close (but not too close) to an airport and a small community where he could golf and ski.  Sandra said  “once Jamie and I crossed the Long Bridge, we felt like we were home.”

Until Jamie’s death in 2002, Sandra and Jamie spent many summers in Canada camping in their RV and visiting Jamie’s extended family.  Jamie was one of ten children, so this was an especially special part of her life.  She managed to stay in touch and keep her friends over all these years.

Sandra traveled to England at least twice a year to be with her mum Dot and her brother Bryan and to reconnect with her friends and family there.  She and her mum would often go on tours when Sandra visited.

Sandra’s loves were many:  She loved her family, her friends, her independence, her animals.  She loved tennis.  She loved gardening and created magnificent flower gardens.  Never satisfied, with the garden, she would often change it completely from year to year.  She loved golfing with friends calling it a “walk in the park with friends.”  She loved traveling.  She loved entertaining and was known for funny games that were played at her  “Boxing Day” parties and other times.  Her sense of humor was one of her greatest assets.

Sandra was a member of  CAL, the women’s golf league at the Elks, past Board President for Panhandle Animal Shelter.  Sandra was generous with her time and not only held fundraiser tea for DayBreak, she also volunteered there on a weekly basis.  She supported Sandpoint schools and other organizations.  She was so generous and giving of her time to so many good causes.  For four years, she volunteered at Kootenai Elementary reading to kindergartners, just to name one of the many things she quietly did.

Sandra is survived by her beloved brother, Bryan Wilson, her Aunts Shelia and Ruby,  and her god children, Julie Ann and Lara.  She is survived by her sisters-in-law  Edna Machniak, Jean Fowler and Joyce Fowler and her many nieces and nephews in Canada.  Sandra leaves behind so many friends worldwide and local, all of whom will miss her terribly. 

The family wishes to especially thank Michelle Harcourt and Darlene Coon for their extraordinary care.  When Sandra was diagnosed with ALS more than three years ago, her desire was to always remain in her home.   Michelle and Darlene made that possible.  She was cared for with love, dignity and respect with her wishes always respected.  The family is blessed to have had them care for Sandra.  The family would also like to also thank Hospice, the ALS Foundation and Gleason Foundation for their assistance.

Condolences may be sent to her brother, Bryan Wilson, 137 The Riding, Gatecombe Park, Portsmouth PO2OUL, Eng. UK.

There will be a Celebration of Sandra’s Life in the Spring or Summer of 2021 when it is safe to gather.  Notices will be sent.