Born in Saint John in 1955, Sandra is the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Sullivan) Tyner, beloved wife of 37 years to Ian Matthews and loving mother of Tony Matthews. Sandra loved to care for flowers and plants. She was certified in Horticulture from the University of Guelph in Ontario and her passion for gardening and her “green thumb” could encourage anything to grow. Very early in her career, she was employed by Royal Gardens in Penobsquis. Sandra was also trained as a Human Services Counsellor and in her earliest working days, during the late 90’s, she was a Teaching Assistant in the local school system. In 2001, she moved to the Superstore with opportunities to work in the bakery and produce departments. Quickly her love of plants came to the surface and Sandra moved into the position of Floral Co-ordinator and then Garden Centre Manager. She had a great passion for the betterment of her community and she and Ian were huge supporters, especially during the planning stages, of Transition House. Sandra was a mentor, so wise and so very selfless. If she began a project, she was meticulous in seeing it through to the end and always finished each one with a great deal of success. She was strong, independant and dependable and will always be remembered for her determination and compassion. Beyond all of this, most important to Sandra, was her family and her friends. She was an excellent homemaker, an amazing cook and a dear friend to her “Dream Team”. She and Ian had wonderful adventures trailering with Tony as he was growing up and most recently, as seasonal campers at Pine Cone Campground. Sandra will be dearly missed. On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, Sandra Gail Matthews passed away peacefully at the Sussex Health Centre with her husband and son by her side. She will be forever in the hearts of her husband Ian; son Tony Matthews (Laura), brothers: Wayne Tyner and Brian Tyner (Mary-Vic) and sister Elaine Tyner (John); brother-in-law Gerald Matthews, her pals Melissa, Brenda, Janice and Nancy and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to her parents, Sandra was predeceased by her brother Thomas. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) A service celebrating Sandra’s life will be held from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church at 11 am on Monday, April 24, 2017 with interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Saint John. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the charity of the donors’ choice.