LAURENE GRANDA

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LAURENE GRANDA Silently and peacefully on January 31, 2017 Laurene Granda passed away after brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was 68. Laurene was born on April 15, 1948 to parents Roy and Irene Evans. She grew up on Bronstone Boulevard in the St. Vital area of Winnipeg. Laurene attended Norberry School and Dakota Collegiate. It was at Dakota that she would meet her future husband, Danny Granda. Laurene and Dan were married July 11, 1970 - "the hottest day of 1970" as we were told many times. After getting married Laurene spent a few years teaching Business Administration at Red River College while Dan finished his degree in Education. It was around this time that they purchased undeveloped land on the Lee River that would soon become known as the cottage subdivision Sunset Bay. With their best friends Lawrie and Val McCaffrey, and a lot of sweat and hard work, they built a cabin that would remain a special family place for over 40 years. Sunset Bay is where the Granda's were fortunate meet their lake family. The Gretchman's and other neighbours would go on to be lifelong friends. Many hours were spent visiting, taking walks, blueberry picking, storm and sunset watching. Laurene and Dan welcomed daughter Sharon in 1974 and Margo followed in 1976. Throughout their early years Laurene stayed at home raising her girls. She was an amazing mom. She was a Brownie leader and spent hours at soccer fields and arenas watching the girls play sports. She sewed Halloween costumes and baked cookies. In 1984 Laurene decided to return to work. She was employed by the former St. Vital School Division to work as an educational assistant and spent her days working with students with special needs and behavioural challenges. She worked at George McDowell School for many years, and then Darwin School until her retirement in 2007. When her husband Dan passed away suddenly and tragically in 2002 Laurene showed amazing resilience and strength. Her life as she knew it changed overnight being widowed at age 52 but she truly tried to make the best of it. In her independent life she enjoyed walks, bike rides and working in her yard. She spent time at the lake and enjoyed a few trips to Mexico with the girls. Laurene was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and fought it, once again demonstrating her positivity. She had surgery, did chemotherapy and radiation and recovered. She was in remission for 10 years. When Laurene retired she found new ways to keep busy. She regularly volunteered at the Children's Hospital Book Mart and as a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society. She participated in aquacize classes at Margaret Grant Pool and a ladies fitness class at Norberry Community Club. Recently she joined a bowling league at Dakota Lanes and enjoyed her afternoons with the bowling ladies and the new friendships she made. Saturday mornings were usually spent having breakfast at A&W with life long friends MaryBeth and Jim Anderson. Laurene enjoyed crossword puzzles and made them look easy. She baked cookies and muffins and other treats that often were delivered to our doorsteps. One of the proudest roles Laurene had was that of being Grandma. When her grandson Alex Benes was born in January of 2013 to say Laurene was thrilled is a huge understatement. He was her pride and joy. The relationship that she and Alex shared was beautiful to watch. She loved to read books with him and he loved to share her treats. He adored her. Laurene also enjoyed the special relationship she had with her step-granddaughters Emily and Sarah. In the spring of 2016 Laurene started to experience some health problems and sadly in June she learned that her breast cancer had metastasized and was widespread throughout the bones in her body. She underwent two major surgeries to first replace her femur, and then her hip. She recovered from both surgeries and we were hopeful that she had some time but the cancer had other plans. By December of 2016 the cancer had spread to multiple locations in her body and her health declined significantly leaving her mostly immobile and in constant discomfort. Throughout all the pain she never lost her sense of humour. We would joke about her "not doing any breakdancing" when we'd leave her alone for a moment or two. But her body was tired and she began to lose energy. We will forever be in awe of the strength that she showed on even the toughest of days. Her mantra was "It is what it is." We believe this helped her to come to terms with what was happening to her body and allowed her to find peace in the path her life was taking. Laurene will be forever missed by her daughters, Sharon Biondi and Margo Benes, son-in-law Brian, grandson Alex, and step-granddaughters Emily and Sarah. She shared a special relationship with her brother-in-law Dave Granda and his wife Judy, whose support and friendship demonstrated the true meaning of family over decades. Laurene will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We will always remember our mom's thoughtfulness, her kind nature and her willingness to always help us out, no matter what the problem. She gave great advice, loved to shop and spend time relaxing on the deck at the lake. We will remember her true selflessness and how she always put others first. The kids will remember the treat cupboard at the lake and giant container of candy she shared with them daily. We would like to thank the many medical professionals we met over the past six months. Too many to name but staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Concordia Hospital and Seven Oaks Hospital who helped during challenging times. A very special thank you to Brigitte Remillard and Dr. Reimer from the Southern Health Palliative Care team, who provided exceptional support and compassion in our mom's final months. In keeping with Laurene's wishes, a casual come and go reception will take place Monday, February 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Golf Course. There will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Siloam Mission, YMCA-YWCA Camp Stephens, or a charity of your choice that helps others. Arrangements entrusted to Cropo Funeral Home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2017