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MARY DIANNE SAMYN (COUSINS)
Born: Dec 25, 1937
Date of Passing: Dec 21, 2021
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
MARY DIANNE SAMYN
December 25, 1937 - December 21, 2021
Dianne is survived by Jacques, her husband of 58 years; sons, Paul (Catherine) and Phil (Diane); grandchildren, Matthew, Eric, Josh, Christine, Grace and Marc.
Dianne was predeceased by her parents, John and Stephanie Cousins, and her brother Bob.
Dianne was born at home on Christmas Day in Molson, Manitoba, a special delivery that landed in the hands of her father as the doctor was unable to attend due to a snowstorm. Unfortunately, she never really got to know her father as he died 17 months later of tuberculosis.
The early years of her life were not easy ones with frequent moves between Winnipeg and Kenora as her widowed mother made her way in the world with the help and support of her brothers.
After graduating from high school, Dianne set her sights on a career in nursing, graduating in 1959 from the St. Boniface Hospital Nursing School. Her tours of duty included time at St. Boniface's Hospital emergency department, tending to veterans at Deer Lodge Hospital, a record-setting stint as the longest-serving nurse at Camp Wannnakumbac, and finally, the office nurse at Dr. Lloyd Bartlett's downtown practice.
It was at a baptism that our mother met the man who would become our father. On May 11, 1963 they were married and began a life together that would be highlighted by travel, time with grandchildren, and in later years, the morning crossword and watching Jeopardy before supper.
For nearly 60 years, the parish of St. Paul the Apostle was a central part of her life. Whether it was sitting in that front pew for mass or helping organize the annual garage sale, the church was a place she turned to for faith, community and service.
We were blessed that our mother enjoyed good health for much of her life until her final six weeks. We were doubly blessed by the care and professionalism of all the staff on 3 East at Concordia who were there for our mother when we couldn't be.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Ave. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance will be limited to those with proof of vaccination.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation or Caritas Canada. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2021
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Mr. Samyn, Paul, Phil and family, I am so very sorry to read of your mother's passing. Dianne was a lovely lady. She was kind hearted and had a sweet spirit. May God comfort and bless you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Angela Mercer (Friend ) on: Mar 27, 2022
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Very sorry to hear of Dianne’s passing; yet another camp Stalwart gone. I have many fond memories of Diane’s devotion to the camp community. I especially recall her during registration day, sitting at the welcoming table as the campers filed in with their parents and paperwork, offering kindness and reassurance to start off a wonderful week for all. - Posted by: Wayne Bissky (Camp Wannakumbac Staff 1975-77) on: Jan 22, 2022
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Sincere condolences to Jack, Paul, Phillip and families, So sorry to hear of Diane's passing. Paul & Phillip were just in high school when Jack & Diane moved in next door. The life experiences we shared are too many to mention. Diane was totally committed to her family and her grandchildren meant the world to her. She will be missed. The Jankovichs - Posted by: Sharon Jankovich (next door neighbours ) on: Jan 01, 2022
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Jack & family, we are so sorry to hear the passing of Dianne. We have been neighbors for as long as I can remember. After the move I missed our chats with both Jack & Diane as they would head for their walks. Our condolences to you all, may God give you peace & strength at this difficult time. I’m sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral Mass but our thoughts & prayers will be with you all. Rosa, Guy & family - Posted by: Rosa (Neighbor) on: Dec 29, 2021
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Dear Jack and family, our thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family at yet another sad time in our lives. Sorry that we are unable to attend, but with Rodney in the hospital we can not take any risks, during these days of covid. Thoughts and prayers from Donna and Rodney. - Posted by: Donna and Rodney Burns (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2021
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I fondly remember my talks with Diane when we would meet on the sidewalks when we were both going for neighborhood walks around the same time. - Posted by: Loretta McKenna (Neighbour) on: Dec 28, 2021
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Dear Paul, Cathy and family, Our sincere sympathies for the loss of your Mom, Mother-in-Law and Grandma. May happy memories bring you comfort. We send hugs. - Posted by: Hélène & Scott Clarke (Friends) on: Dec 27, 2021
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We are so very sorry to read of Dianne's passing. We were back yard neighbours since 1993. We used to chat over the fence before we tore down the old garage and built our 2 car garage. Dianne wasn't happy about the garage as it blocked her view. She was also always concerned when our Canadian flag attached to the garage wasn't flying properly. We were sorry when she and Jack moved to Sturgeon Creek II and missed seeing them walking down our driveway as a short cut to get to their back yard. Our sincere condolences to Jack and your extended family. Cherish all your good memories and keep them close. - Posted by: Susan Nicholson & Ron Schirlie (Back yard neighbour (80 Woodlands Cres)) on: Dec 24, 2021
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Paul, Catherine, Phil, Dianne and kids, Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. May your fond memories of her help you through this difficult time. I will pass on the news to my mother Gert who was a great friend of Dianne’s from the nursing class of 59B! Take Care! - Posted by: Yolande Franzmann (Friend) on: Dec 24, 2021