Derenisky Family Foundation Fund

It is with broken hearts that the family of Sandra Derenisky announces her untimely passing on July 26, 2026 at the age of 53, with her family by her side.

Sandra was born on June 14, 1973 in Yorkton, SK to parents Bjorn and Pola Gislason and then raised in Hudson Bay, SK as part of a close-knit extended family. After graduating high school she went on to study at the University of Regina where she obtained her Bachelor of Education and became a teacher. Teaching became her professional calling in life and throughout the course of her 28-year career as an educator she made a lasting and profound impact on the lives of her students (particularly those with special needs), parents, and fellow educators. She served as Vice Principal with Regina Public Schools in a variety of elementary schools where she was known for her steady presence, her calm, and uplifting spirit. Sandra was the joy and the difference for many.

Sandra met and found her soulmate Terry in Hudson Bay. Their connection was instant and together they were married on July 20, 1996. They became life partners and were each other’s everything. Together they created a family and were blessed with two beautiful and caring daughters, Kathryn and Karrah. With her family she loved camping, time around the fire, puppy snuggles with Luna, gardening, family vacations, spending time on the East Coast, and so much more. Family was precious to her.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 30 years Terry, and daughters Kathryn and Karrah; parents-in-law Marvin and Lydia Derenisky; brothers-in-law Kevin (Lisa) Derenisky, Mark (Jode) Derenisky; nieces and nephews Kaylee Derenisky, Kyle Derenisky, Carter Derenisky, Caidence Derenisky, Jorey Gislason and Brayton Gislason; and her special aunts and dear cousins and their families.

Sandra will be remembered for her infectious laugh and the smile that lit up every room. She was a wonderful, loving wife and mother. She was dedicated to her family and her profession. With 28 years of service as a teacher, she impacted the lives of countless students and educators with a focus on special education. Her compassion made her the perfect person to continuously help others and advocate for children with needs. She was simply a gift for all.

Time and again Sandra was reminded of her profound impact on not just students but their families, and her colleagues as well. Her colleagues would say the reason they were still an educator is because of the influence she had on them. Parents and families would tell her of the lasting impact she had made for their children when they were struggling and in need. This is part of the legacy she has left behind.

Sandra’s Cancer journey was also nothing short of remarkable. There were no statistics that applied to her. She pushed them all aside and outlived them. This had everything to do with her spirit, her outlook on life, her tenacity and resilience, and her relentless optimism. She lived by “Sunshine and Strength”, and she gave it to others. Diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer in 2016, it progressed to Metastatic in 2019. Even during her toughest battles, she continued to work as a teacher, administrator, and influencer to others. All that knew her would agree, her Cancer battle didn’t stop her. Sandra would always say to “find the sun on a cloudy day”. It became her mantra. It was only a matter of time before someone wrote a song that said the same thing. She would tell you to keep looking to find solutions and never give up, to find the positive, to keep on until you found the light. She always found the light. She was a light for countless people. She was for many the difference they needed. She was “our light”.

Sandra was extremely passionate about research and support for other women with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Her time with Inpower, a volunteer run non-profit organization founded by cancer survivors and medical professionals to help support women facing a breast cancer diagnosis brought her community, joy, and lasting friendships.

When people asked how she was, she would always say “I’m okay”. The truth was, she was not okay. Because she fought her disease with so much courage, sunshine and strength her family has established the Derenisky Family Foundation Fund with intent to keep her legacy alive. Terry, Kathryn and Karrah intend to ensure that funds collected in her memory will be specifically used directly towards causes that support women with Metastatic Breast Cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks instead that donations be made to the Derenisky Family Foundation Fund in honor of Sandra and her memory.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre (particularly Dr. Zarkovic), the nursing team of the 5D Oncology Unit at the Pasqua Hospital, and the Palliative Care Unit team of doctors and nurses who in her final days showed incredible care and compassion.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 2:00PM at Regina Funeral Home, 4001 E Victoria Ave E, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sandra had insisted it be a Celebration. No black attire. This is a must for those wishing to attend in person. Bright and beautiful colors only please. Sandra had always said “Cover Me In Sunshine”, and that is what the family intends.