It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we announce the sudden passing of Cecily at the age of sixteen years on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Brandon, Manitoba. Cecily was born to the Late Elaine McGillivary (Pud) and Fred Sanderson on August 5, 2010 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in The Pas, Manitoba.

Cec lived her young life on OCN until her recent move to Brandon. She also lived in Cranberry Portage for a short period where she attended grade eight. She attended Joe A. Ross School, Frontier Collegiate, Oscar Lathlin Collegiate and Crocus Plains School in Brandon.

Watching Cecily grow up, from a very young age, we knew she saw the world in a different way in her brilliant mind. She had an intelligence beyond her years, speaking big words for her age, asking questions that only she understood at times. Cecily was incredibly talented in drawing and sketching, her talent landed her a first place ribbon at the OID arts and crafts table. Wherever she went she always had sketch books in her back pack and would draw wherever she sat for periods of time. Cecily was gifted in story-telling and writing poetry, also fry screaming which is a form of singing, she had many ways of expressing herself. She had a special energy to her, where she had a smile that would brighten up your day. Growing up along side her siblings Randy, Renee and Caylee, they shared a special bond, that only they understood. She also enjoyed going fishing with her siblings and spending time with them.

Cec and Caylee were like two peas in a pod, they were close in age, this made them inseparable. They were best friends and were together always from the time Caylee was born, they shared their life stories, their hopes and dreams with each other. Cecily was fearless and wanted to live life on her own terms, which led to many adventures on her own where she would take the path less travelled and finding secret hiding spots. She had a beautiful smile and laugh that made not only you smile but warm your heart as well. She loved all her nieces and nephews and had a special love for them all. Cec and her oldest niece Kelis shared a special promise to care for each other, Kelis made sure her auntie enjoyed her 16th birthday.

She had a special longing for her mom, she adored her Kookum and Grandpa Sanderson, she missed them all dearly.

Throughout her life at different ages from two months old up until she was 10-11, she would be in Auntie Aprils’ family life, where she had a special connection with Donovan, Blaine and Brendan, she enjoyed her time with the little cousins, Blake, Scarlett, Jackson and Evangeline, going on outings to play places and doing family activities around the home, from colouring easter eggs, carving pumpkins to decorating Christmas trees. She enjoyed the road trips to different places like Winnipeg and Ontario and most recently to Alberta. She was funny, had character and a unique personality, so intelligent, super talented, but most of ALL loving and caring especially to her nieces and nephews.

When she was younger and not shy, she liked to take part in community events such as jigging at OID Pike Lake and would love to participate in the intertribal dance at the Pow wow.

Cecilo is survived by her siblings: Randy Sr. (Shanna), Renee, Caylee, Shawn, Naomi, Twyla McKay, Donovan (Danielle), Blaine, Brendan (Natasha). Nieces & Nephews: Kelis, Cassius, Randy Jr., Thayden, Ryder, Kiera, Randi, Raiden, Baby Elaine, Nevaeh, Sean, Jarrot, Ryder Constant, Baby Dreyden, Blake, Jackson and Evangeline, a special love to all her cousins. Aunties: Helena (Gary), Nancy, Odette, Grandma Kud (Phyllis), Cil (Larry), Rosie and April. Uncles: Joe (Dean), Gilbert (Cheryl), Emile, Mike (Val) and Warner. McGillivary Chapans, Sanderson Family and Constant Family. Many cousins and relatives too numerous to name.

Cec was predeceased by her Mother Elaine McGillivary, Granny Olive McGillivary, Grandpa Solomon McGillivary, Kookum Linda Sanderson and Grandpa Harvey Sanderson. Uncle Harvey Sanderson Jr. Uncle Brian Dorion and Uncle Marty McGillivary. Numerous family members too numerous to name.

If we missed anyone it was not intentional, we express our most sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for all your support during this difficult time.