DIANE KITSON

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DIANE KITSON 1921 - 2016 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Diane, on April 6, 2016, at the Portage General Hospital. She leaves to cherish her memory, her three children: Marilyn (Cliff) Burton, of Winnipeg and their children, Mark (Sarra), Scott (Crystal) and Ryan Burton; Noreen (Dave) Hall, of Cochrane, Alberta and her children, Kathryn and Daniel Grant; Donald Kitson, of Portage la Prairie and his children, Lindsay Kitson (Nathan) and Murray Kitson; great-grandchildren: Tyler, Emma and Liam Burton. She was predeceased by her husband Harold William (Bill) (November 10, 2002); her parents, Steve and Kate Bachalo; her siblings: Minnie Rusnak, Nellie Buchanan, Ed Bachalo, Daniel Bachalo, Audrey Ramey, Effie Dennis and Mary Bachalo. Also surviving are siblings: Joe, Larry, Arnold and William Bachalo, Eileen Nielsen, Thelma Williams and Gladys Plaster. Diane, the third eldest of 15 children, was born on February 28, 1921, in Glenella, MB. That spring, the family moved to Edwin, MB, where she lived until moving to Portage la Prairie, at the age of 18 years. She worked as a housekeeper, then as a cashier at Safeway. During this time, she met Bill, whom she married on October 20, 1943. They owned and operated Kitson Apiaries until Bill's passing, at which time her son, Don continued the business. After Bill's passing, she loved to go to her "work" as a volunteer for about 10 years at the M.C.C. store in Portage la Prairie. She enjoyed the company of the caring staff and volunteers. Diane was a very active person with a strong work ethic. She took pride in her home, her home-cooked meals and her vegetable garden, especially her tomatoes. She had a wonderful sense of humour, and at 95 years old, was blessed with retaining her sharp mind. She was a long-standing member of the Christ Church and demonstrated the Christian values of compassion, humility and love for her family, friends and neighbours. She thoroughly enjoyed all family gatherings. Diane loved the sport of curling. She was past president and life member of the Portage la Prairie Curling Club and participated in numerous bonspiels. In 1956 and 1957, she played lead on the Lillie Clark Rink, which won the Manitoba Ladies Provincial Curling Championship. In May 2010, the Clark Rink was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame. When no longer able to curl, she thoroughly enjoyed watching curling on TV. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Burnside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our website www.omegafuneralhome.com "Dedicated to those we serve."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2016