Obituary of Sandra Wilson

Berwick, Kings Co., passed away at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, on the evening of Monday, October 12, 2009. Sandra was born in Berwick, Kings Co., August 24, 1941. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence Baltzer and Anne Palmer. In 1946, Sandra and family moved to the U.S.A. settling in Foxborough, Mass. They returned five years later taking up residence in Berwick, where Sandra attended Berwick School. Lawrence (Sandra's Dad) married Greta Douglas in 1954. Greta and Lawrence lived in Berwick along with Sandra, Doug and Marilyn Brown (Greta's son and daughter). Her talents in music were soon noticed. Sandra began taking music lessons from Mrs. Crowe, the music teacher at Berwick School. Along with Mrs. Crowe, her family and friends she was encouraged to continue with her music studies. Sandra became interested in the pipe organ taking lessons from Mrs. Lou Ramey, organist and choir director at the Berwick Baptist Church. In 1960, she entered Acadia University graduating in 1963 with a licentiate in music, major in pipe organ. During her time at Acadia she accepted the position as organist and choir director at the Baptist Church in Windsor. She later took that same position with the Kentville United Baptist Church. She played at special occasions at the Berwick Baptist Church. Sandra accompanied many accomplished musicians, directed church choirs and presented music concerts in various valley communities. She was highly recognized for her piano, pipe organ and musical abilities. Sandra was invited to play the pipe organ at University Hall, Acadia University on numerous occasions. On the occasion when Prime Minister John Diefenbaker was a guest at the Apple Blossom Festival he and his wife attended a church service at the United Baptist Church in Kentville. Sandra was organist and choir director at that time. Sandra later received a personal letter from the Prime Minister complimenting her on the music presentation at the service. During the late 1960's and 1970's Sandra played in a dance band with husband Bill and the Parker family of Berwick. She married Bill Wilson of Berwick on September 11, 1965. They lived in Berwick and had two boys, Jeff (RCMP in Harbor Breton NL) and Greg (owner of Clothing Factory Outlet Store, Berwick) She is a member of the Berwick Baptist Church. Sandra organized and initiated the preschool program in Berwick in 1965. It is still active today. She was president of the Berwick Band Association and was past president of the Berwick & District Lionettes. Sandra was responsible for organizing the "Beaver group "of the Boy Scout movement in the Berwick area and was their first leader in 1973. Although Sandra had the opportunity to travel frequently to many parts of the world she was happiest being at home with her family and cooking in her kitchen. She was an exquisite cook. She is sadly missed. She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons, Jeff and Greg; step mother, Greta Baltzer Dobson (Howard), Halifax; step brother, Doug Brown (Irene), Chester Basin; step sister, Marilyn Grimmell (Doug), Belleville, Ontario; half sisters: Faith Zunner, Pauline Greenburg, Anita Laraia, Mass., U.S.A.; Carol Baltzer, (Richard Uncle); uncle, Paul Palmer; cousins, Craig Baltzer, Curtis Palmer, Marie Palmer, Judith Kenneally and Joyce Smith Visitation will be held Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in the H.C. Lindsay Funeral, Home, 192 Commercial St., Berwick, N.S., B0P 1E0, (902-538-9900). A Service in Celebration of Sandra's Life will be held on Friday October 16, 2 p.m. in the Berwick Baptist Church, 265 Commercial St., Berwick. Rev. Marilyn Rose officiating. No flowers by request Donations in her memory may be made to Berwick School Music Program or charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca