RETA ELAINE FISETTE

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RETA ELAINE FISETTE On December 1, 2008 at the Riverview Health Centre, Reta Elaine Fisette peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends who loved her. A celebration of her life was held at the Voyage Funeral home on December 4 with Pastor Ivan Blakey officiating. Reta was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to Elmer and Shirley Fisette (Keyes) on April 26, 1959. Until 1961 she lived on a farm at Sinclair with her parents and older sister Janet. The family then moved to Winnipeg and expanded with two brothers, Lance and Cary. Reta spent her elementary school years in Emerson and graduated from Dakota Collegiate in Winnipeg after the family moved back to Winnipeg. During these high school years she met friend Mickey Durupt and her lifelong best buddy Georgie and began her membership in the Durupt family. During her working career Reta was employed as a Candy Striper at the Municipal Hospital, worked as cashier at Zellers in Fort Richmond and in the laundry department at the Fort Garry Hotel, but her lifelong career was spent with Winnipeg Child and Family Services where she worked for over 25 years. Over the years she worked with many abused children and troubled youth. Although this can be very stressful and challenging work, Reta was accepting, kind and respectful. She had a positive impact on these youth and many kept in contact with her for years after. She also worked with families in crisis to try to help stabilize and keep families together. Her dedication was constant and unwavering, going the extra mile to do what she could to help them. The last few years Reta worked with foster care providing support and direction to parents caring for children with all kinds of special needs. Five years after she was forced to leave the agency due to her illness, these parents were still calling to ask how is Reta doing? As her coworkers expressed at her funeral Reta was a caring, kind and supportive team-mate. She was respected for her strong values and work ethic, but especially her compassion. Reta is survived by her sister Janet Fisette and niece Elaine Smolders, brother Lance Fisette and his children Tamara (Chris and children Keira and Kolby) and Randy, (also Cory and Justin); brother Cary and his son Adam and daughter Hanna; as well as sister Raylene (Daryl and children Denise, Tina, Junior, Zac and Selene, grandkids Summer and Autumn). She is also survived by the Durupt family who have loved Auntie Reta' for so many years. Various cousins in the Milliken, McLeod and McConnell families also were blessed to be in her family Reta was dedicated to her family. She supported them through challenges and achievements. Elaine, her niece brought her particular joy and they had many wonderful times together. Reta focused on others rather than herself; whether you needed a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or practical support she helped wherever she could. When life threw her some nasty curve-balls, she never complained or wanted pity but could always find that silver lining in the clouds around. The gift she leaves with us is her example of a life well lived. We are better people for having known her. Donations in her memory may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation, Sunshine foundation or the Children's Hospital.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2008