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DARLENE MICHELLE BASCHUK Obituary pic

DARLENE MICHELLE BASCHUK

Date of Passing: Dec 24, 2018

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DARLENE MICHELLE BASCHUK After a lengthy illness, Darlene passed away on Christmas Eve, 2018, at the Grace Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Darlene was predeceased by her uncle Victor McLeod; her maternal grandparents; and her paternal grandmother. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kyleen Normandeau; mother, Agnes (Donald Collins); father, Don (Cathy Cossette); sisters Deborah and Donna (Jack Partridge); spouse Dave Thompson; stepdaughter, Joan Thompson; niece, Lauren Webb; nephew, Eric Webb; godmother, Auntie Bernice Friesen; and Kyleen's father, Trevor Normandeau (Patty). Darlene is also survived by lifelong friend Dawn Dumontier; and longtime best friend, Sherry Normandeau; as well as countless family and friends across Canada and in her adopted home in Mexico. Darlene was born October 10, 1969, in Thompson, Manitoba, but was a life-long Winnipeger. Darlene grew up in Charleswood and attended Oak Park High School where she was Valedictorian of her graduating class. She was always a busy girl and was involved in "everything" at school, as well as ringette and many part time jobs including Superstore and her all-time favorite job as a hostess with the Winnipeg Jets 1.0. In her youth, she attended and was a server at St. Mary's Anglican Church. Darlene graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Commerce degree in 1992 and began her career with Great West Life. Her first two years with Great West Life were spent in Vancouver before returning to Winnipeg permanently. Over 23 years she held roles of increasing scope and responsibility with Great West Life and Investors Group, culminating in senior executive roles with both companies. During those years she formed countless lasting friendships through her work with people across the country. Darlene was passionate about her many interests including certain movies and music, her many cats, driving only a convertible, playing hockey with the GWLWHL, camping and fishing at Eagle Nest Landing at Pointe du Bois, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets and finally being in the studio audience at The Price Is Right. In 2010 she purchased a second home in Mexico which became her adopted home and her passion from that day forward. As was consistent throughout her life, she made some incredible connections and friendships in Los Ayala and Guayabitos. Funeral service will be held Friday, January 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 3830 Roblin Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2018

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

  • David, so sorry to hear of your loss. Darlene was well known in the insurance industry and certainly carved a niche in the business. My sincere condolences. - Posted by: Bonnie Siemens (Business Associate) on: Jan 08, 2019

  • I am so sorry to hear about Darlene, although I have not seen or spoke to her much over the last 30 years, I remember her a a person full of life, with a great sense humor. She always had a smile on her face. She will very much missed - Posted by: Jeannette Haseloh (Cousin ) on: Jan 07, 2019

  • I was surprised and saddened to hear of Darlene’s passing. Thinking of all of you and sending prayers for peace and memories that sustain your hearts at this time. Fond memories of those growing up years and Darlene’s fun adventurous spirit. - Posted by: Brenda Fawkes (Childhood friend) on: Jan 04, 2019

  • Dave, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I met Darlene in Vancouver and had the pleasure of working with her later at IG, I have many good memories of Darlene, and she was always a thoughtful and inspirational lady. Hugs to all. Remember the good times. Jo Ann - Posted by: Jo Ann Henn (Colleague ) on: Jan 04, 2019

  • Dianne and I were shocked to hear of Darlene's passing. Our condolences go out to Dave and family. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Art Squarey (Colleague) on: Jan 02, 2019

  • Dave and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Darlene's passing. She was a wonderful women, accomplished professionally and always positive, kind and a pleasure to be around socially. - Posted by: Sandra Brown (Colleague) on: Jan 02, 2019

  • Sad to hear this news. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Trevor & Denise Hubert (Co-workers) on: Jan 02, 2019

  • I am sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing and my condolences are for you Dave, her family and friends. May she rest in peace and live forever in your hearts. - Posted by: Marion Iliohan (Colleague ) on: Jan 02, 2019

  • We are sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of your Daughter, Agnes. Our hearts go out to you and all of your family on losing such a vibrant, loving family member. May you find peace in knowing Darlene is at rest without pain. - Posted by: Sandra Alexander and Doug Alexander (Friend to Agnes; sister of Donald Collins) on: Jan 02, 2019

  • I am really sorry to hear of Darlene's passing. She was always such a positive person and I always truly enjoyed working with her while she was at Investors Group. My condolences go to Dave her children and all of her family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Esther Bast - Posted by: Esther Bast (Colleague) on: Dec 31, 2018

  • Oh Darlene, I’ve many fond memories of the days we worked together in GWL. You were a wonderful woman, a caring, supportive and enthusiastic leader. You’ll be missed. - Posted by: Ivy Wong (Ex-coworker) on: Dec 31, 2018

  • Met in Mexico...lovely person...will miss you forever! - Posted by: Doreen Cadotte (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2018

  • Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Lynn Handregan (Long time neighbor) on: Dec 31, 2018

  • Agnes, I am so, so sorry to hear about Darlene. I didn’t know her long but I know she loved you dearly. Take care my dear friend. We will talk when I am back home. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. - Posted by: Jackie Sisco (Mother’s friend ) on: Dec 31, 2018

  • My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Tammy Kassk (High School Classmste) on: Dec 31, 2018

  • Oh Darlene, I will miss you terribly. How I met Darlene... Decameron Los Cocos. My mom says to me while getting ready for dinner oh I met a nice girl she's having dinner with us tonite and that's how I met Darlene. Everyone at the resort thought we were sisters. We are! From there our friendship began. I would continue on and visit her at the condo in Mexico. We had some crazy fun times there, so kind and giving. I will miss Darlene dearly. I love her to the moon and back. My condolences to Dave and Kyleen and the family.... Love Paula - Posted by: Paula (Resort sista) on: Dec 30, 2018

  • Our deepest sympathies are with you Donna, Jack and family. Hugs from Bonnie and Roy. - Posted by: Bonnie and Roy (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2018

  • Deb, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this extremely difficult time. - Posted by: Sandy Sterzer (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2018

  • Our dear friend Darlene, part of our 4 Amigos with Dar, Aud, Donna and Sherry making up our DADS group which started back in our GWL Marketing days (so of course we had an acronym for our group!) and culminated in many get-togethers with food, wine and laughter. You will be sorely missed my friend. But we will also remember you every day...from the strong, vibrant, motivational leader you were to us all to visiting you in your Mexico abode and many get-togethers here at home (when we could catch you at home in Winnipeg that is....how you loved your home down south!). Most of all we will remember and miss our get-togethers over recent years. Always a perfect host. Always full of life and stories and laughs. Gone much too young but you will be in our hearts forever. - Posted by: Donna Cram (Friend ) on: Dec 29, 2018

  • I’m am so sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her. I wish I could be there for her Celebration of Life, but my thoughts will be with you all. Xoxo - Posted by: Cheryl Geisel (Cousin) on: Dec 29, 2018

  • Our daughters, Taylor and Kyleen, grew up together through school and playing basketball and remain close friends still. Taylor will always talk about how Darlene made the best breakfasts after sleepovers and even went all out to ensure she had special gluten free bread and pancake mix. Of course, no sleepover was complete without Darlene doing Taylor's hair in curlers. Even after after the girls were finished high school, we would see Darlene and Dave at different functions. Darlene's smile and personality lit up a room. Rest now Darlene. You will be missed by all. - Posted by: Kim and Jeff Armitt (friends) on: Dec 29, 2018

  • So very sorry to hear of Darlene's death. She was a vibrant woman. My heart breaks for her family. Much love to all, particularly Donna, Debbie and Agnes who shaped such a beautiful person. Val - Posted by: Val (Lock) Wright (High school buddy) on: Dec 29, 2018

  • To the family, it is with great sadness upon hearing of Darleen's passing. For over 20 years we had the pleasure of playing the Bocci Tournaments on the Lee River. She was a great competitor and a wonderful person who had many talents. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Jo-Anne / Richard Kresky (Bocci partner and friend) on: Dec 29, 2018

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