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ELIZABETH MARGARET EMILY SPENCE
Born: Jun 12, 1960
Date of Passing: Feb 22, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELIZABETH MARGARET
EMILY SPENCE
Liz was born and raised by her grandparents in the Gillam, Manitoba area. She attended two separate Frontier School Divisions. The first during grades 9 and 10 at Cranberry Portage, Manitoba and second grades 11 and 12 in Gillam. Liz eventually left Gillam in 1984 in order to attend the four year program at the U of M Social Work Program at Thompson. She met her partner Mitchell Ducharme when he attended the same program in March 1987. Although Liz graduated in 1988 she waited until Mitchell graduated in 1991. Liz meanwhile worked for Community and Youth Correctional Services as a Youth Probation Officer from 1987 to 1991.
She leaves behind her three greatest achievements: Veltina (Tina), Aaron and Kristi. Liz has two nieces, in particular, Marley Spence and Hannah Henderson who have been an integral part of her life.
Predeceased by her grandparents Christine (deceased August 16, 1976) and John Peter’s, parents John (deceased September 15, 1974) and Margaret Spence (nee Massan – deceased October 18, 2018), Brothers Edward and Alex, and Sister Vicki.
The family moved to Brandon where Liz was employed as an Intake Worker with Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba from May 1991 to July 2000. She then rejoined Probation Services until her untimely death on February 22, 2025.
Liz held the position of Area Director – first in Thompson in 2015 and then in Westman until just prior to her passing. Her Probation Officers were her pride and joy. Liz mentored them in the way she would want to be mentored to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of a Probation Officer – but more importantly a civil servant.
Liz fought the daily battles of the stereotypes of being an Indigenous female government employee. She was an active member of Pitima and later co-chair of Brandon Bear Clan and remained an active participant.
Liz touched the lives of many people. She maintained a great sense of humour. Liz will be forever missed. May she now rest in peace. Till we meet again.
In accordance with her wishes, Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.
As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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My Condolences to Mitch and family. I met both Liz and Mitch while attending the Northern Faculty of Social Work in Thompson in the early 1990’s. Although we didn’t see each other that often, it was always nice to stop and talk with Liz and Mitch when we’d bump into one another at different places. - Posted by: Robert Lafontaine (Friend) on: Apr 04, 2025
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I enjoyed Liz as both a co-worker at CFS and a friend. She was always in a hurry. I remember her coming to my desk asking if I wanted to go for a walk and she'd be half way out of the office door before I was out of my chair! I remember having an outdoor bbq picnic in the winter with our kids. She also pulled a great prank on me. Hiding a box of oranges I had bought. She took them from my desk area. I thought I was losing it! I had the receipt for the oranges and no oranges. Just as we were about to leave work, with me thinking of going back to the store to see if I forgot them there, she admitted she put them in a locker as a joke. I am sad to hear of her early passing. Mitch, Tina, and Aaron, your partner/parent Liz was a very special friend to me. I am sure that the last few years have been difficult for all of you. I will be praying for you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Kim Holmes (friend) on: Mar 10, 2025
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May you find comfort from family and friends during this difficult time. Embrace the many wonderful memories you shared with her. Gone far too soon. Rest in peace Liz, you will be missed. - Posted by: Kim Michaluk (Previous co-worker) on: Mar 05, 2025
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I worked with Liz at CFS for many years. She had wonderful stories to tell; and told them in a humorous way. She was dynamic and a pleasure to be around. I'm sorry she had to leave, but I hope you know, Mitch, that she was important to many people. Jane Nicholls - Posted by: Jane Nicholls (co worker) on: Mar 03, 2025
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Deepest sympathies to Aaron & family from Bob & Lynn Andrew. Our thoughts are with the family for their loss. - Posted by: Lynn & Bob Andrew (Friend of Aaron) on: Mar 03, 2025
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Always positive and happy. - Posted by: Fred Saunders (PO in Thompson) on: Mar 02, 2025
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I’ve known Liz many years as both a friend and a co worker at Probation Services. I am saddened to hear about Liz’s death but know she is in a better place and her suffering is over. Rest in Peace LIz. Condolences to her Family for their loss. - Posted by: Gerry Giberson (Friend and Co worker) on: Mar 01, 2025
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I am sorry for your loss. I met Liz while working at the Provincial Building. She was an interesting person and I always enjoyed chatting with her. - Posted by: Pat Tolmie Daniels (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2025