(BEATRICE) DIANE RHEAULT

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(BEATRICE) DIANE RHEAULT

Born Beatrice Diane Rheault September 4, 1944, in St. Boniface, Manitoba. Diane was the second child of Jean Hector Rheault and Margaret Ellen Rheault (nee Berry), and sister to Donald Jean Rheault.

Diane was a strong-willed child who became a fiercely independent adult. She worked incredibly hard for everything she had. As a single mom, she provided lots of love, safety and security for her first and only child, Rory Bodiou, and "Mrs. B" acted as a surrogate mom to all his friends.

As a young woman starting out, she made the bold move of buying her own home on Parkville Drive, where she and Rory ended up living for over 45 years, hosting many legendary parties, and making lifelong friends with neighbours like the Scotts. She also had a summer place at Taryall Resort in Catherine Lake, Ontario, where she loved doing "garbage patrol" so she could see what everyone in camp was up to.

In employment, she had a hugely successful career with Manitoba Justice. She wore many hats, including as a Magistrate in Youth Court and in Family Court, and ended her career having worked her way up to the position of Deputy Registrar of the Court of Queen's Bench. She was most proud of her work helping to set up the Maintenance Enforcement program, a program that is still operating today.

Diane embraced all that life had to offer, travelling extensively across North America, and enjoying good times with friends and family. She loved going out to eat - places like Maximes, Garwood Grill, the Jolly Mug and Rae and Jerry's were regulars in the rotation. She also had a soft side - she volunteered for many years at a soup kitchen, and for a while she did grocery runs for housebound seniors, all while maintaining a full time job at work and at home.

After losing her son, Rory, in 2023, Diane fought hard to keep moving forward and made the most of each new set of circumstances she faced. She lived life on her own terms right to the end.

Diane is survived by a small circle of family and close friends, including her niece Dawn Renee (and family), and her very close friends, Mark Lappi, Monique St. Germain, and Regan, Josh and Dylan Thatcher. Some incredibly special caregivers from GetUThere Senior Services, including Lori, as well as her friend Debbie, supported her over the past year and helped make her final days cheerful and pleasant - for that we are eternally grateful.

Diane wanted a party, not a funeral, so everyone who knew her is invited to join us at the Norwood Hotel on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. so we can do just that. Come hungry - there'll be a hot buffet and some bevvies. We'll all share our favourite Diane stories and send this gal out in style!

(BEATRICE) DIANE RHEAULT

Born September 1944. Passed August 7, 2026 at the age of 81.

Diane was a deeply loved daughter, mother, sister, auntie and friend. She lived life to the fullest and on her own terms right to the end. We will really miss her sense of humour and her awesome stories. She insisted we plan a party, not a funeral, so that's what we are doing!

Full obituary with party details to come on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

(BEATRICE) DIANE RHEAULT

Born September 1944. Passed August 7, 2026 at the age of 81.

Diane was a deeply loved daughter, mother, sister, auntie and friend. She lived life to the fullest and on her own terms right to the end. We will really miss her sense of humour and her awesome stories. She insisted we plan a party, not a funeral, so that's what we are doing!

Full obituary with party details to come on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2026, Aug 14, 2026, Aug 15, 2026