DARLENE ANN WILLIAMS (OTTENBREIT)

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DARLENE ANN WILLIAMS (nee OTTENBREIT) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene on December 28, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Darlene will be sadly missed and forever cherished by her husband Randy, daughters Melissa and Morgan, sisters Sandy (Hugh) Korol, Donna O'Connell, Joanne (James) Fredericks, and Terry (Steve) Ward; brothers Dennis and Jimmy Ottenbreit. She is also survived by mother-in-law Daphne Williams, brother-in-law John (Debbie) Williams and sister-in-law Diane (Paul) Dalkie as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews including her special niece Laurie (John) Karpluk. Darlene was predeceased by her parents Ida and Gerald Ottenbreit, brother-in-law Pat O'Connell and her father-in-law Larry Williams. Darlene was born in Winnipeg on August 30, 1965 and spent her entire life in Winnipeg. She attended Garden City Collegiate and was very proud of the fact that she was the first in her family to attend university. Darlene spent most of her working career in sales in both the hospitality and advertising fields and developed many long lasting relationships with clients and colleagues over the years. Just prior to her diagnosis she had started her dream job at the CNIB where she was looking forward to helping improve lives of those who have suffered vision loss. Darlene was a caring, selfless person who always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She had an unwavering positive attitude, a quick wit and always had a way of making people feel comfortable. Being a mom was the most important role in Darlene's life. She was a caring and wonderful mother to Melissa and Morgan and enjoyed supporting them in their many athletic and academic accomplishments. She will always be watching over them as their special angel. In 2003 Darlene achieved a personal goal by completing the Twin Cities marathon. She also ran in numerous half marathons and other running events as well. She liked to remind people that she had accomplished something that only one percent of the population has done and used this as inspiration in her fight against cancer. Perhaps Darlene's most treasured memories were at our cottage at Clearwater Bay where our family enjoyed quality time together. Over the years we created many cherished memories and she never tired of watching the Northern Lights or watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. The family would like to express deep gratitude to all the friends and family who have supported us during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at the Victoria Hospital with special thanks to Ivy, Wendy and Gurwinder for their care of Darlene in recent weeks. A celebration of Darlene's life will be held Thursday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 830 North Drive, Fort Garry. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darlene's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division or the CNIB. Voyage Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 668-3151

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2006