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ANTOINETTE (TONI) DIFFEY
Born: Aug 18, 1931
Date of Passing: Jul 19, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryANTOINETTE (TONI) DIFFEY
Early on Friday, July 19, 2024, Mom asked continually to go home. A few hours later she did just that. She was welcomed home by her heavenly Father, Dad, her parents, Noella and George, and many others.
Left to mourn and miss her are her brother George (Bernice) and family; sister Yvonne and family; daughter Arlene (Chris); sons, John (Penny) and Paul (Pam); daughter Linda (Jim); grandchildren, Lisa (Paul), Adam (Katie), Kelli (Eldon), Ashley (Justin); great-grandchildren, Emersyn and Adalie, Emily and Ava, Averie and Lucas, as well as family and friends.
Toni was born in Lorlie, Saskatchewan on August 18, 1931, and lived with her family in Peepeekisis Cree Nation. She was taken to Lebret residential school at the age of seven where she survived, even thrived, graduating early with the gold medal in proficiency. After graduation Toni attended the St. Boniface School of Nursing. It was during this time in Winnipeg that she met the love of her life, Art Diffey. He was originally from the Ottawa valley and was stationed here as a young soldier. After graduating in 1953 she worked for a time in the operating room at St. Boniface Hospital. In 1954 she married Dad and shortly afterwards moved to Germany for three years. After returning to Canada they moved from base to base, finally settling in Winnipeg.
Mom stayed at home for many years raising her family before returning to nursing at Riverview Health Centre. She was always busy cooking, knitting, crocheting, doing crossword puzzles and reading on a variety of subjects. She enjoyed fiddle music, camping, and spending time with family in three provinces. In later years Mom was quite attached to her little cat, Chase. Toni was a lifelong Catholic. Her Christian faith and participation in the sacraments sustained her. She was a devoted wife to Art for 52 years before his passing in 2007. A loving mother, grandmother (Kokum), and great-grandmother (Koko), she said she was waiting to meet all of her great-grandchildren and she did. They were the joy of her existence.
Our family would like to express their appreciation for the care given by the staff at Tuxedo Villa, especially Tara. Many thanks to Adanique, her companion from Comforts of Home Care.
A prayer service with Fr. Michael Winn will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home at 455 Lagimodiere Blvd.
In Toni’s memory, please do a kindness to another soul, either human or animal. Rest peacefully Mom.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2024, Jul 27, 2024
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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John and Penny...My sincerest condolences on the passing of your Mom. Memory Eternal! - Posted by: Linda Kuehn (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2024
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Arlene... Buck and I send our love and hugs to the Diffey family. May you find comfort with the memories of your mom and dad. I have lots of fond memories of the warmth and laughter with your family - Posted by: Donna Owen (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2024
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Paul, I was so very sorry to read of your mother’s passing. My heart goes out to you & Pam, knowing how much the death of a mother affects us. She was the glue that held the family together & now you feel set adrift, your balance is gone. Thinking of you all. - Posted by: Christine Ward (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2024
