In Memory Of

Cedar Rebecca Santanna

Feb 5, 1968 - Feb 10, 2026

Service

Saturday, May 16, 2026
3:00 pm
The Crammond Hall Community Centre
54004 TWP RD 35-4 (SE 29-35-5-W6M)
“The Cowboy Trail” Highway 22

Notice

Please send an email to flatlander0@yahoo.com for additional details, RSVP for planning purposes, and stories that can be compiled and shared.

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts and a surprising number of unforgettable stories that we announce the passing of Cedar Rebecca Santanna, who left this world at the age of only 58—though anyone who knew her would swear she managed to pack in at least 91 years’ worth of living in her time. We lost Rebecca after a short battle with cancer, she is survived by her children, siblings and many that she considered family. Cedar was pre-deceased by her parents, who she loved dearly.
Cedar was born and raised in Nova Scotia, but staying in one place was never really her style. She was, at heart, a bit of a gypsy—always chasing the next adventure, the next story, or sometimes just a better cup of coffee somewhere down the road. Her gypsy spirit brought her to Alberta to chase opportunity in the early 90’s, where she raised her children, made a life, and pursued different career opportunities. She was always up for an adventure, living life to its fullest, creating stories to be told, and making memories. Her zest for life was unsurpassed.
One of Cedar’s many gifts was her connection to animals. If an animal needed rescuing, Cedar moved heaven and earth to protect God’s creatures. Her home was never without the love an animal. She always had an innate connection with horses and further developed her horse training skills, including for equine therapy so that others could also benefit and appreciate horses the way she did. Cedar was humbled to receive the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan’s challenge coin for her contribution to the Canada Day celebration at Government House, bringing horses for the public to interact with. She also had a special talent with dogs, particularly big dogs. Cedar dedicated many years training and placing over 600 service dogs with veterans and first responders. She provided education and raised funds for this much service, including a trip on horseback across western Canada. Cedar was honoured in 2018 with the Minister of Veteran Affairs Commendation for her work to help veterans and first responders cope with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility issues.
Cedar’s faith was strong. Her faith came through her actions by the way she cared about and connected with people. Everyone she met felt valued and seen, even during brief and casual encounters. She stood up for what she believed in and would not say no to a person in need. If she couldn’t help directly, she would make connections with someone who could. She deepened her faith in her later years, and studied to become a minister.
Cedar spent her final years returning to her homesteading roots, living off-grid in a tiny home that she shared with her animals. She felt peace raising animals, gardening, and striving toward her dream of providing healthy food for her family and friends at “Rebecca’s Ponderosa”. Her house was always a refuge, filled with love, laughter and rejuvenation for the soul of all that visited. She was so grateful for the opportunity to make this dream come true.
Her life became a collection of journeys, laughter, and moments that could never quite be explained the same way twice. She was witty in a way that could catch you off guard—quick with a remark, sharp with her humor, and always ready to make you laugh when you least expected it. But underneath that humor was a deeply kind soul. She had a way of showing up for people, often going out of her way—sometimes quite literally—to help anyone who needed it. If you were lucky enough to know her, you were likely helped by her, laughed with her, or both.

Her life was full of adventures—some planned, many not—and she embraced them all with a spirit that refused to be tied down. She didn’t just live life; she wandered through it, gathering stories, friendships, and memories that will live on in all of us. Though her time here feels far too short, there is comfort in knowing that she truly lived. And in the end, we are grateful that during her battle with cancer, she did not suffer for long—a small mercy for someone who deserved nothing less than peace. She leaves behind many who will forever carry her stories, her laughter, and her wild, generous spirit with them.

In her honor, we might all consider taking the long way home once in a while, helping a stranger just because we can, and never saying no to a good adventure. Because if she taught us anything, it’s that life isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in stories. She gave us a lifetime of them. We are continually amazed at the stories we hear about Rebecca and the lives she touched in her time – if you have a story you would like to share with us, and possibly have it shared as part of a collection in her memory and at her memorial, please reach out to any of us – emails can be sent to Joscelyn at flatlander0@yahoo.com

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at The Crammond Hall Community Centre, near “Rebecca’s Ponderosa” on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 3 pm. A potluck supper will follow at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome and lots of camping space is available. The Crammond Hall is located on “The Cowboy Trail” Highway 22, between Caroline and Sundre, at 54004 TWP RD 35-4 (SE 29-35-5-W6M). Please send an email to flatlander0@yahoo.com for additional details, RSVP for planning purposes, and stories that can be compiled and shared.
Cedar will take her final adventure to Nova Scotia with her favorite dog, Cruz, “when the leaves turn color”, as were her wishes.

Condolences

Nathan:

I originally met Rebecca when I was looking for a service dog of my own, around 2014/15. I'm still not entirely sure how it happened, but she and some others saw something in me. She took me under her wing, mentored me, taught me to train service dogs, and was a shoulder to lean on in some of the roughest years of my life. I know I drove her up the wall at times, but she showed me endless patience, compassion and love.
She had such a positive impact on my life. She believed in me when no one else, not even myself did. I was so lost, and she gave me a purpose, a path forward, and the courage to stand on my own two feet.
I won't ever be able to express how thankful I am to have known Rebecca, and to have had her as a mentor and friend.

Brittany Cook:

Cedar was an amazing women. I will never forget how she taught me the best way to put on makeup and walk in heels all during getting ready for my sisters wedding. She will truly be missed.
Brittany Cook

Kathy Law:

The first time I met Rebecca was at my brother’s birthday party at the JBarT, two years ago. The second time she was rescuing four pregnant mares off a meat truck. Those adorable foals were the proof that you knew what mattered to her. She was constantly involved in rescue (humans and animals) and even during her debilitating illness, she was trying to place homeless animals. She was a dedicated and tireless worker. Though my time knowing her was short, Rebecca made the world a better place.

Deborah McGloin and Art Harrie:

We had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca in the Annapolis Valley, N.S. She rolled in our yard on the back of a bike (and not on a seat, just the bare fender). Quite the character, not someone you would forget. She was friends with people I knew from Bear River all of which have passed. I hope she has found them all and her adventures continue!

Nettie Fletcher:

I really didn't know Becky because of the age difference but hearing about her from her friends, her sincere help with the veterans and her love for animals will always be my memory of her. She was a beautiful soul. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.❤️

Linda Somers-Selig:

Becky ( as we here knew her ) know you were loved by many. Your childhood antics were too many to compile. We had the pleasure of watching you grow and become the wonderful person you were. Always in our hearts. Rest easy Beck until we meet again.

Patricia Lapointe:

She was amazing

Angelica Colombon:

Rebecca showed me how yo live with a free spirit, I will never forget when she called me jumping bean, we where a good team she was and always be a fighter where ever she is now you didn't lieve you stayed we us

Michael Briggs:

Cedar was an incredible Lady.
I am very lucky to have been selected by Cedar to recieve my Service Dog Sampson. Sampson is a Daniff born June 3, 2020 and is the son of Cruise.
RIP.

Jessie Edwards:

That is easily the most beautiful obituary I’ve ever read. What a beautiful human. I’m so thankful to have gotten to know over the farmers market seasons. I’m sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. <3

Clayton and Sonja Haney:

Our condolences to all of the family. We join you with sad hearts and missing happy coffee visits! Cedar, always Rebecca to us, had a special spot in our hearts, for sure!!
Every time I watch our Anne come running to my call, I think of Rebecca’s loving, competent training. Her gift in pairing someone’s needs and personality to a service dog, is only to be marvelled at in total awe. We are so thankful to have shared and loved Rebecca and felt her love in return.
During our last visit, we talked about the journey Rebecca would soon be taking. She’s there; another beautiful soul is home!

Lloyd benedict:

Very Sorry to hear of Nash passing I hauled some of her pups back to the East Coast for her a great lady to chat with will miss our chats

Doc Plants:

I met Cedar while acquiring Raven my service dog.
Cedar and LaVonne came for a home visit, they told me afterwards as they left the house they had the same dog in mind.
Raven is now a major part of my life and a daily reminder of Cedar.
Cedar was involved several times during my training with Raven and always a joy.
I have no doubt that that for every dog she placed there are simular stories.
My prayer for her family is one of comfort, healing and the hope of life eternal, and His peace as life continues.
Doc & Raven

Post Your Condolence