DIANE SOKOLOWSKI

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DIANE SOKOLOWSKI

Diane Sokolowski, aged 70, of Brandon, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. After bravely battling bilateral pneumonia for a month, Diane met her illness with strength, grace, and quiet determination, but was ultimately unable to recover.

Diane was born to Dorothy and Wallace O'Callaghan and grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and community—values that shaped every chapter of her life. She built a career marked by dedication and care, working at McKenzie Seeds and later at the Brandon Hospital, where her reliability, warmth, and genuine kindness were deeply appreciated. It was during her time at the hospital that Diane formed some of her closest friendships, relationships that became a profound and lasting part of her life.

Above all else, Diane was devoted to her family. She married the love of her life, Leonard, and together they shared 49 years of marriage filled with partnership, laughter, and steadfast devotion before his passing in 2021. Their home was one of warmth, welcome, and quiet joy.

Diane found her greatest happiness in life's simple and meaningful pleasures: traveling to new places, tending her garden, baking for others, and spending time with friends. Nothing, however, brought her more joy than her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. Whether cheering them on, baking something special, or simply being present, Diane gave her love freely and completely.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters and sons-in-law, Tanya and Trevor, and Monica and Milan, as well as by her cherished grandchildren, Millie, Henry, and John, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Diane is also survived by her brothers, Don, Brian, and Dan, and was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn.

Those who knew Diane will remember her for her kindness, quick wit, generosity, and the way she made people feel cared for without ever asking for recognition. She had an enduring smile, a steady presence, and a way of making ordinary moments feel meaningful.

A come and go Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Aida's Catering.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation in Diane's memory. brhcfoundation.ca

Diane's love lives on in the family she nurtured, the friendships she cherished, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

Diane's family would like to thank the healthcare team at Brandon Hospital for their care.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 16, 2025