COLLEEN AUDREY DEGAGNE

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COLLEEN AUDREY DEGAGNE Colleen Audrey DeGagne of Brandon, MB passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, on January 28, 2011, after losing a valiant and courageous battle to cancer. Passing away with enormous dignity, she was 48 years old. Colleen was born on February 17, 1962 in Kenora, ON. Colleen took full advantage of the natural beauty of the region, enjoying many outdoors activities with family and friends. As a youngster, Colleen loved camping, canoeing, swimming, softball, track and field, skating and most any other active endeavour. Colleen graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School in 1981, and enrolled at the St. Boniface General Hospital School of Nursing. Shortly after graduating in 1983, she started a part-time job at the St. Boniface that lasted for a period of one year. Colleen married the love of her life, Rick DeGagne, at the First Baptist Church on July 28, 1984. In the late summer of 1984, she accepted a position in the Intensive Care Unit at the Brandon General Hospital. Colleen was a passionate, compassionate and dedicated nurse throughout her entire career. She loved her work in the ICU. Over the course of twenty-six years, Colleen treated all patients like she would want to be treated, earning the respect of the Brandon medical community, while she made many strong and lasting friendships. Colleen was born to be the finest mother, and leaves behind four wonderful children - Matt, Brock, Danielle and Josie. She was their mom, best friend and biggest fan. At all of their activities or events, Colleen was there to support and encourage them. Armed with her camera, she never missed a chance to capture a precious moment for her family. Updating photo albums and scrapbooks consumed much of her leisure time over the past few years, but she was determined to preserve these memories for them. She vigorously nurtured their love of life, sport, friends and family. Colleen was the youngest of three children and is also survived by her parents; Bob and Bernice Baker of Kenora, ON; brother Robin (and friend Pauline Couture) of Ottawa, ON; sister Heather (Mark) LaBelle of Victoria, BC and nine nieces and nephews. An emotional service to honour Colleen's life was held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church in Brandon. Special thanks to Reverend Dong-Ha Kim for presiding over the service, to Reverend Tom Oshiro for his words of comfort and wisdom, and to Mark for his inspirational talent in leading the show of love that we all have for Colleen. Thank you to the many family members and friends who travelled to Brandon to attend the service. Your cards of condolences and gifts are truly appreciated. The family would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the medical staffs at the BRHA's Cancer Care, 300, 400 and ICU, as well as the Grace Hospital Cancer Care Unit. Colleen loved you all! Donations in Colleen's memory may be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 700 - 10665 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S9 (www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt). Brockie Donovan Funeral Cremation Services were in charge of arrangements. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Rest well, Colleen as you suffer no more. You are so special to so many. Your unique blue eyes, your soft voice and your contagious smile will be sorely missed. We love you dearly!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2011