Sandra Ann Lassu (née Fossen) passed away peacefully at the age of 80, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital on Friday, May 29, 2026, surrounded by her children.

Sandra was born on July 3, 1945, in Galahad, Alberta, the middle child of Joy and Tena Fossen’s brood of seven children. The family lived in the Pleasington area, then moved into Forestburg when Sandra was eight years old. Sandra enjoyed a happy childhood and excelled in her studies. During this time, she forged many close friendships, which she cherished her entire life.

She married Keith Lassu of Heisler, Alberta, on December 28, 1963, and they went on to have four children. Her early married life was full of adventure, as Keith's career regularly transferred them to a new town or city. They lived as far east as Barrie, Ontario, and as far south as Houston, Texas. Eventually they ventured to Peterhead, Scotland, where they resided for approximately one year. Sandra felt very much at home there, and she was able to indulge her insatiable love of history while visiting the beautiful sights and castles in the region. During this time, she also visited Norway and spoke fondly of being able to see the country of her ancestry. After these adventures they returned to Sherwood Park, then Tofield, and eventually settled in Grande Prairie, next door to their daughter, Myste. Throughout Sandra’s life, she always regarded Forestburg as home and cherished her opportunities to return and visit family and friends.

Sandra and Keith tragically endured the unimaginable loss of their beloved son, Darrin, when he was only five years old, a sorrow that remained with them throughout their lives. Keith described Sandra as being incredibly strong and said she got him through that devastating time. She was a resilient and stoic woman.

Sandra held various jobs during her life, some of which were working at the Forestburg theatre and local restaurants as a teenager. She also worked as a telephone operator, store cashier, bank teller, and in a seniors’ care home. However, her main focus was always raising her children and maintaining an immaculate home. Her children fondly called her "Martha Stewart on steroids.”

Sandra was content being alone, but she loved a good chat and was an excellent conversationalist. She was clever and witty and always interested in what others had to say. She was blessed with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and took pride in watching them grow, learn, and pursue their interests. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved.

Sandra was predeceased by her son, Darrin; parents Joy and Tena Fossen; sister Gwen Matier; brother Ron Fossen; parents-in-law Gordon Lassu, Kay Eshpeter, and Edwin Eshpeter; brothers-in-law Doug Matier, Roger Dibben, and Alvar Naslund; sisters-in-law Shirley Fossen, Cori Lassu, Arlene Dibben, and Donna Naslund; nephews Darcy Matier and Jason Jones; niece-in-law Carolyn Fossen; and great-nephew Ty Naslund.

Sandra leaves to mourn her husband, Keith Lassu; children Myste (Len) Kruger, Lesley Daley, and Sean Lassu; cherished grandchildren, Travis (Sarah) Johnson, Makenzee Kruger (Alex Cloutier), Lauren, Isabel, and Brendan Daley, and Torin Lassu; beloved great-grandchildren, Ryder and Peyton Johnson; siblings Orville Fossen, Joyce (Fred) Forster, Barry (Pauline) Fossen, and Kathy (Eddie) Peake; sister-in-law Pat (Vic) Jones; and brother-in-law Gary Lassu. She will also be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Sandra’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. St. Germaine, Dr. Kapil, and the nurses at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital ER and ICU for providing expert and compassionate care to Sandra during her brief and sudden illness.

A graveside service for Sandra will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Pleasington Lutheran Church (42379 Range Road 143, Forestburg, AB). All are welcome to join. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service at the Forestburg Community Centre (5402 50 Avenue West, Forestburg, AB).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https://curealz.org/) or the Pleasington Historical Society (Box 277, Forestburg, AB, T0B 1N0). Pleasington was near and dear to Sandra's heart.

Though she is no longer with us, Sandra’s love, guidance, and memory will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Forever loved, always remembered.