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SHIRLEY DIANE BENOIT
Born: Nov 01, 1949
Date of Passing: Nov 12, 2020
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SHIRLEY DIANE BENOIT
November 1, 1949 - November 12, 2020
Diane is survived by her son Steven and daughter, Heather, and her grandchildren, Jada, Tiegan, Jessica and Abigail. Keeping Diane close to their hearts are her brothers, Brian (Marj) and Barry (Darlene); her brothers-in-law, Bob (Ruby), Mike (Sharon), Rick and Phil (Martha); as well as many nieces and nephews.
Diane was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Earl, as well as, her parents, Stephen and Shirley Bugara and grandson Matthew.
Diane was born in Saskatoon, SK and moved around with her family until they settled in Swan River, MB. Upon her high school graduation, Diane moved to Winnipeg to further her education. It was at this time she met and married Earl on April 25, 1970 and they begin their journey together. Diane spent most of her life working at the University of Manitoba at the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development and the Registrar's Office, where she made many friends along the way. Diane was passionate about volunteering with Folklorama and at the Bomber Stadium. She enjoyed her time with both of these organizations and again, made many friends along the way. Diane was also passionate about travelling, she and Earl travelled far and wide to several different countries throughout their years together, making friends and memories along the way. After Earl passed, Diane found ways to continue travelling with close family and friends.
Diane was a social butterfly and loved to entertain. She was known for bringing her neighbours, family and friends together, hosting parties and making delicious food. Following her retirement from the Registrar's Office, Diane continued to meet up with her co-workers on Fridays for a drink and their hub chats.
All of our hearts are broken, just as Earl left us to soon, so has Diane. We find comfort in knowing they are together again dancing to their special song "Till".
Thank you to the hospital staff that cared for Diane during her time there.
Funeral services will be held at a later date when it is safe for us all to gather.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2020
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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I was fortunate to meet Diane when we worked together on the Support Staff Endowment Fund committee at the University of Manitoba. She and I immediately clicked. We co-chaired the committee for several years but my best memory was during our trip to the University of Alberta in Edmonton. We set our alarm clock to wake up during the night so that we could watch Kate and William's Royal Wedding. Complete with snacks! I was ready for a nap in the afternoon, but not Diane! And off we went sightseeing! She was like the Energizer Bunny! Plus she was 2 years older than me! I'm so sorry to read of the passing of both your parents. Your Mother spoke frequently and very highly of family. She was very proud of your accomplishments. My deepest sympathy. May the love of family and fond memories provide you with comfort and strength. - Posted by: Kathleen Bell (U of M Colleague and Friend) on: Jan 05, 2021
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Having 1st met Diane in a fb game called Bunco and subsequently others thereafter, we shared many a chats over the phone WhatsApp, giving good banter over the Jets and Blackhawks, both Diane and Earl whom passionately followed the Jets, we was eager to let the other know the score, Diane was so on the ball with everything. We met up when both Diane & Earl came to London on 2 occasions they were memorable, it wasn't until the Christmas of 2013 I think it was, when I came over to stay with them for 4 Weeks, great family and a smashing couple, we had a blast, I, no doubt with loads of others were devastated on the passing of Earl then of Diane so soon after just feels so heart wrenching, Diane and Earl really did have such an impact on people's lives, they were that much respected, appreciated and liked the world over. Sincere Condolences to Heather, Steven and the rest of the family, I'm so privileged to know and met, may they be dancing in heaven eternally looking down upon us with a smile - Posted by: Leonard Cook (Overseas Friend) on: Dec 24, 2020
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SORRY EVERYTHING IS IN CAPITOL LETTERS BUT I AM VISUALLY IMPAIRED-I MET DIANE ON A GAME SIGHT CALLED ARKLE WE HIT IT OFF RIGHT AWAY - SHE ALWAYS LAUGHED AT MY JOKES AND ALWAYS HAD A GOOD COMEBACK TO MAKE ME LAUGH I WILL MISS THAT DEARLY- SOMETIMES WE WOULD JUST TALK ABOUT NOTHING SPECIAL JUST TALK-I AM REALLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND MY LOSS-I WILL MISS HER DEARLY-FLY HIGH MY FREIND ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH YOUR HUBBY FOREVER-R.I.P. - Posted by: Joseph (FRIEND ON FB) on: Nov 27, 2020
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I am sorry to read of your Mom,s passing. We went to school in Swan River together and I was also her bridesmaid when she married your dad. We hung out at Dick's Cafe a lot (to our parent's dislike) but did have good times. I did not realise that they lived next door to Marg Bestick until talking to Carol one day so we did connect again. I also worked a summer job at the UofM and ran into her then quite often Always a smile and ready to talk and recall the group we chummed with in our teens. She was proud of you both and your families and always talked glowingly about your exploits and lives. I did call a few of the girls in Swan that knew Diane to let them know too. Know that I think of her fondly and will always remember her. Peggy-Ann Williams Nee Campbell - Posted by: Peggy-Ann Williams (Highschool friend) on: Nov 25, 2020
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I am sorry to hear of Diane's passing. We were friends in high school, reconnected briefly a few years ago in Winnipeg and then stayed in touch through instagram. I have many memories of hanging out at the Bugara home as teenagers Hugs for all of you as you learn to manage without your mom, grandma, sister and friend. - Posted by: Kay Yeo (Fulford) (Friend from Swan River Days) on: Nov 24, 2020
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My deepest condolences to the family and relatives of Diane. I bowled with Diane and Earl for many years and they truly were wonderful and kind people. - Posted by: Tracey Rush (Bowled with Diane ) on: Nov 23, 2020
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Heather and Steven I am so sorry to see that your wonderful Mom has passed away. Always loved hearing her stories of their trips and the grandkids. Both your Mom and Dad were wonderful people. Sending virtual hugs to you all. Gayle - Posted by: Gayle Nickol (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2020
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My sincere condolences to Diane’s family. - Posted by: Kate Davis (Work colleague) on: Nov 22, 2020
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She helped me throughout my life when I was with Steve. Always made me feel like family. Even when Steve and I divorced, she always welcomed me with open arms. She never had bad words and even had my family over at her place for Jada's 18th bday. Will never forget when she tried to walk in during the birth of Jada lol She was a driven woman. I loved her for that and will truly miss her. Thank you Diane for all you did for me and Jada. - Posted by: Elena Hernandez (Ex-daughter in law) on: Nov 22, 2020
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Prayers going out to the family of Diane. I will remember all the good times we had as kids growing up and playing at Grandma & Grandpas in Kelvington. I am going to miss chatting with Diane the times we did, she is at peace know and with Earl and Uncle Steve and Aunt Shirley. You will be thought of and in our hearts. She left this world was to soon. Thoughts and Prayers again to the family of Diane. Love Darlene and Darrell Johnston - Posted by: Darlene Johnston (Cousin) on: Nov 22, 2020
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Condolences to all Earl and Shirley’s loved ones at this deeply devastating time. My heartfelt compassion is with you all. - Posted by: Isabella (Friend to Son) on: Nov 21, 2020
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We have been neighbors for 39 years and will miss both Diane and Earl. Both passed way too early. We will certainly miss the pre Christmas get togethers that she hosted for the neighbors and family which was lots of fun and laughter. This past summer Diane would come over with her glass of wine and we'd sit outside socially distanced and talk for hours till it got dark. We never had to go on holidays as we could live vicariously through her many pictures she took. We will certainly miss the waves across the street when we were out in the yard. Rest in peace Diane we will miss you. - Posted by: Tony and Maureen (Friends and neighbors across the street) on: Nov 21, 2020
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I pass along my condolences to Diane’s family. She was my SPC at University Center and it was always a pleasure to visit with her. We spoke many times about Diane’s and Earl’s travels. Getting many good pointers. - Posted by: Ray (Friend ) on: Nov 21, 2020
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Heather & Tiegan: We are so very sorry to read the news of your mother's passing; as well of that of your father/grandfather having predeceased. Our most sincere condolences. Our thoughts and payers are with all of you during these most difficult of times. Our Sympathies Jim and Monique - Posted by: Monique & Jim Derby (Friends) on: Nov 21, 2020
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We are very sad to hear about the passing of Diane. Diane and Earl were friends for many years and for awhile we were living across the street from each other and spending much time together. I remember Earl and I barbecuing in the pouring rain many times. Diane was always fun to be with and we will always remember her laugh. Our hearts go out to Stephen and Heather. Ron and Leigh Holland - Posted by: Ron Holland (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2020