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COLLEEN PATRICIA CHEATER (PROKOPPA)
Born: Nov 06, 1951
Date of Passing: Dec 31, 2013
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
COLLEEN PATRICIA CHEATER (nee PROKOPPA) November 6, 1951 - December 31, 2013 Shuffle up and Deal ... Colleen Cheater made her journey to her final table in the sky on December 31, 2013 with her family by her side. Diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on July 30, 2013 and given two months to live, Colleen Cheater did just that, lived. Surrounded by her four daughters and at times her husband, four sons-in-law, 13 grandchildren and dog Coronado, Colleen managed to travel through 17 states and four countries by way of car, van, plane and cruiseship. Her last trip was 22 family members aboard the Norwegian Epic, arriving back in Winnipeg on December 9, 2013. Colleen was born on November 6, 1951 to Morris and Patricia Prokoppa. She grew up in Brooklyns, MB as it was then known. It was there at a dance, at the age of 13, that she met her future husband Bernard Cheater. Colleen and Bernie were married in 1968 and were blessed with four daughters, Tammy, Oreanna, Christina and Andrea. One of her greatest joys was her daughters who had grown up to become her closest friends. Colleen was frequently brought to tears watching the four of them dance and laugh together at family socials and weddings. Her other source of pride was her grandchildren and at the family cabin at West Hawk Lake she would cook and bake for over 20 family members at a moments notice. She would sit on the deck watching her grandchildren swim and fish, filling her heart with joy. Colleen had a knack for any occupation she tried. Owning and operating the Tyndall Motor Hotel, selling houses for Canada Trust, selling cars for Westport Chrysler and owning and operating Cheaters Cheesecake Deli. But her favourite way to make money was playing Texas Hold'em. After she retired Colleen could be found at her second home in Las Vegas, NV playing at a final table in Sam's Town Casino. Colleen was predeceased by her father Morris Prokoppa in June 2004. Colleen leaves her large, loving, crazy family behind to continue living life by her example. Her loving husband Bernard Cheater; daughter Tammy Derksen (Dale), grandson Ethan, granddaughter Jenna; daughter Oreanna Cheater (Shannon), grandsons Collin, Christian, Jordan, Justin, their father Gilbert Nestibo, and granddaughters Chayanne and Cailey McLean; daughter Christina Cheater (Terry), grandsons Jackson and Alexander and Jackson's father Jamy Krainicuik; daughter Andrea Cheater Mitchell (Ryan), granddaughter Taylor, and grandsons Joshua and Matthew; mother Patricia Prokoppa; brother Russell (Elaine); brother Glenn (Della); sister Shelley Lane (Buddy) of Saskatoon, SK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Also left to remember Colleen is her best friend Linda Webster from Calgary, AB and her dearest and oldest friends Richard and Rita Todd of Las Vegas, NV. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba, especially Dr. Wong, Erin, Dr. Gingerich, Cheryl and Terese. An extra special thank you to Colleen's CancerCare Angels, Barb Kitzan, Simone and the entire Palliative Care team, without whom her bucket list adventures would not have been possible. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 10 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Avenue. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Dale, Ryan, Terry, Shannon, Collin, Christian, Jordan and Justin. Honorary pallbearers are Ethan, Joshua, Matthew, Jackson and Alexander. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Colleen's name to CancerCare Manitoba, Crohn's and Colitis Manitoba, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Bernie and family, We're very sorry to hear of your loss. Colleen will be missed at the lake. Aileen and family - Posted by: Aileen Hall and family (Neighbour West Hawk Lake) on: Feb 19, 2014
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So many great memories of this wonderful woman. Loved to see her at work and enjoyed her conversations and the time she had for customers, the time she made for customers even though she was busy. My sincere condolences to Bernie and his girls Tammy, Oreanna, Christina and Andrea. May you keep her memory alive. - Posted by: Terry Neplyk (client and friend) on: Jan 27, 2014
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You will be sadly miss Auntie. R.I.P..... My heart and prayers to Uncle Bernard and my 4 cousins. - Posted by: Bernadette Ulbrich (Niece) on: Jan 13, 2014
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So many great memories of this wonderful lady. Fun times sharing a good laugh with Colleen, with her quick wit and wry sense of humour, she always had great one-liners. But the memory that will stay with me forever is how she selflessly took care of everyone around her, giving all she had and more to the ones she loved, without thinking of herself or asking anything in return. The ultimate wife, mother and grandmother who loved unconditionally. My heartfelt condolences to Bernie and his girls Tammy, Oreanna, Christina and Andrea and their children, to Colleen's mom "Nana", her brothers Glenn, Russell and sister Shelly and their families. May you keep her memory alive by sharing the great stories of all the happy times you shared with Colleen. - Posted by: Louise Bruneau (cousin by marriage) on: Jan 09, 2014
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I was saddened to hear of Colleen's passing. Although I haven't seen Colleen, Bernard and the family for quite awhile, my Mom Peggy kept us all updated what was going on. I just saw Auntie Pat, and my other cousins recently. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. My sincere condolences to Auntie Pat, her daughters, husband, brothers and sister, and her entire family. I am glad she was able to leave on her terms, very inspiring, rest in peace. - Posted by: Gary Daulby (Cousin) on: Jan 07, 2014
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Colleen was my oldest cousin on my mother's side and although living in Vancouver I haven't seen her for 32 years, I have fond memories of staying at her home when Tammy and Oreanna were toddlers...and helping clean offices. Everybody helped clean offices! My heart goes out to Auntie Pat, Bernard, their children and grandchildren. I know she will be missed. Hugs, Bonita (aka Bonnie) - Posted by: Bonita Magee (Cousin) on: Jan 05, 2014
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My thoughs and prayers are with Bernie and his family. May Colleen's memories live on in your hearts forever - Posted by: Phil Coe (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2014
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Although it's been almost 20 years since I worked for Colleen and Bernie I have to to say I think of them often. They inspired an entrepreneurial mindset that has been a constant in my life. They gave me a shot at such a young age and it helped catapult me onto a successful path. I fondly remember Colleen giving me motherly advice late at night as we closed down Cheater's. She cared! She really cared. Sure she cared about the business, making a profit, but I could tell she cared about me as a person more. Or at least that's how she made me feel. I absolutely cherish my memories at Cheater's and my heart goes out to the entire family. Bernie. ...Please know that your wife was respected and adored. To the kids please know that your mom was a strong woman and an example for many. She was loved and and she made people's lives better. You are all in my prayers! Respectfully and in gratitude Dr. Troy Spurrill - Posted by: Troy Spurrill (worked with Colleen, Bernie, and family at Cheater's Cheesecake cafe) on: Jan 04, 2014
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My sympathy to you Bernie, and your family - Posted by: Norman Adelberg, Diamond Wax (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2014
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We were saddened to hear of Colleen's passing. Colleen had a way of making us feel very welcome and we thoroughly enjoyed being in her presence. We send condolences to her entire family. Norm and Ivy - Posted by: Norm Bruneau (Cousin by Marriage) on: Jan 04, 2014
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Our deepest condolences go out to Bernie and the Cheater family. With deepest sympathy, Janet and Rick Watts. - Posted by: Janet Kastellanos-Watts (friend) on: Jan 04, 2014
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I was just so inspired by the way Colleen chose to leave such fond memories for her family. Sincere condolences to her children and especially her Mother. May you be comforted by knowing Colleen did it her way. Love to all. - Posted by: Sharon Palmer (Aunt by marriage) on: Jan 04, 2014
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Although I have not seen Colleen for a long time, I have such fun memories of working in the same office. It was my favorite job of all time, too bad I decided to get a real job. We had a group of unruliness who had so much fun playing pictionary or trivial pursuit in the boardroom, and basically hanging out there when not busy. Colleen and Linda were so nice to me, I was a 25 year old newbie at the time. The sentiments I read in the paper today, and in what I saw in Tammy, working with her a short time, then finding out she was Colleen's daughter, shows what a close and fun family she had. I am happy to hear she lived such a full life, and hope the wonderful memories help her family at this time. Although saddened to hear the news of her passing, the beautifully written obituary has left me inspired to live life as Colleen did. - Posted by: Joanne Smith (Worked with Colleen at Montreal Trust, then later with Tammy at St B ICCS, my husband Ken also at MT) on: Jan 04, 2014
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My deepest condolences go out to you Christina and your whole family. I know how close you and your sisters were & always will be to your Mom. I'm so glad you were all able to fulfill your Mom's bucket list and yes you are one crazy (in a good way) family! Love Barb - Posted by: Barb Brown (Friend of daughter Christina) on: Jan 04, 2014
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Met Bernie & Colleen when they ran the Tyndall Hotel. They brought lots of life to the place. Colleen could always be seen with the girls. It was a pleasure for Elliott and I to run into Bernie a few years ago. Our thoughts are with your family. - Posted by: Theresa Hunter ( nee Hnatiuk) (From Tyndall ) on: Jan 04, 2014
