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JUNE MARIE DESMARAIS
Date of Passing: Dec 07, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJUNE MARIE DESMARAIS
With love, we announce the passing of June Desmarais on December 7, 2025, after many years of illness faced with extraordinary grace. Though Rheumatoid Arthritis challenged her, it never defined her. June was determination and grit wrapped in kindness, humour, and hope.
Born in Winnipeg to Elvira and Jean Desmarais, June grew up in Elmwood and was a devoted sister to Joe (Leila), Dave (Kathy), Toby (Mary), and John (Fran). She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Dave and Joe, and her sister-in-law Leila. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She loved her family fiercely. She leaves behind her children Paul, Monique (Norman), and Marc (Shannon), and her deeply loved grandsons, George and Henry. She is reunited with her grandson Samuel.
She truly loved her best friends, Viviane and Doreen. Their daily calls were her lifeline. She also found great comfort and inspiration through Rev. Tim Peterson and the Centre for Spiritual Living.
June had an incredible work ethic and worked hard her whole life, first at Canada Packers and later in the family business. She always took pride in doing her best.
June’s happiest times were spent at Falcon Lake and Lake of the Woods, enjoying puzzles, cards, rock collecting, and sunsets. In retirement, she became an avid - and by all accounts excellent - bridge player, forming many friendships.
A passionate gardener, June transformed her St. Vital backyard into a peaceful, flower-filled oasis. She also loved blues music, good conversation, a good laugh and of course her friends and family.
Independence was her hallmark. She faced every challenge with strength, resilience, humour, grace, and hope.
She wished to be remembered with smiles and laughter. She wanted us to know: “Dying can be a joyful experience. Remember me with smiles and laughter, for if you only think of me with sadness, I would choose not to be remembered at all.” And true to her sense of humour, she signed off with: “See you later, Alligator.”
A service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness or a donation to the Arthritis Society in her name.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2025
