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DARLENE DEMKEY (MARTIN)
Born: Dec 20, 1940
Date of Passing: Jan 23, 2014
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
DARLENE DEMKEY (nee MARTIN) December 20, 1940 January 23, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Demkey on January 23, 2014 at the age of 73, at the Concordia Hospital. Surrounded by her family, Darlene passed away peacefully due to the complications that arose from her cancer treatment. Darlene was predeceased by her husband Gordon, with whom she shared a long and happy marriage, and will be forever loved and remembered by her two sons Bradley (Kathleen), and Wayne (Lana), and seven grandchildren Thomas (Liz, Serra, and William), Mathew, Adam (Ashley), Morgan (Ashley), Ava, Maxwell, and Ella, as well as her five siblings Barry (Ruth), Dave (Brenda), Beth (Don), Fran (Bob) and Craig (Janet), five remaining brothers/sisters-in-law Millie (Stan), Lydia (Al), Richard (Dorothy), Diane and Gary (Janet), and her many nieces and nephews. Darlene was born and raised in rural Manitoba, the oldest of six children. After moving to Winnipeg, Darlene started a family with her childhood sweetheart and longtime friend Gordon. She was extremely proud of her family and worked tirelessly to make sure that they all enjoyed a healthy and happy life. In 1973, the family moved outside the city, near the community of Oakbank, to give their boys more room to grow and enjoy the outdoors. On this acreage, Darlene and Gordon loved to host many family gatherings and barbecues, and to watch their family grow. She was very proud and involved in the lives of her sons, spending countless hours attending their many sporting events, and performances. This continued later in life, when her grandchildren came along. She was intensely proud of their achievements and loved to spend time with them. She attended countless events, performances, graduations, as well as babysitting and hosting sleepovers. She even learned to text in order to keep in touch with this next generation of her family. She was devoted to her family and shared a very close relationship with all of her siblings throughout their lives, providing guidance and wisdom as their trusted and loving, big sister. She never forgot a birthday, or an anniversary, and was always available to lend a hand or simply to share the joy of their many achievements, and the occasional sorrow that can arise in life. After the passing of their parents in the 1970s, Darlene and her brothers and sisters organized an annual family reunion (golf tournament) held every August long weekend for the past 36 years, in order to bring together all of their extended families to enjoy some fun and relaxation and to pursue their mutual passion for golf. A second, unofficial family tradition also arose over the past 10 years where some, or all of the siblings would get together in Maui to take a break from the winter. Darlene also enjoyed a long career, at Manitoba Health, which spanned more than 40 years. After retiring, Darlene remained as busy as ever, volunteering for many different organizations including: The Winnipeg Humane Society, and the Look Good Feel Good Program for cancer patients where she was recently honoured for 20 years of service. She will be remembered by her many friends in these organizations as a tireless worker, who believed strongly in each cause and was passionate in helping the organization to achieve their goals. She was also very active in sports, helping to organize and compete in the Senior Games for Manitoba, where she won a gold medal for bowling one year. She was also an avid golfer, competing in two different leagues each week in the summer, as well as picking up a game with friends and family whenever she could. A celebration of Darlene's life will be held at Transcona Memorial United Church at 209 Yale Avenue West, on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Darlene may be made to either of her favorite charities, The Winnipeg Humane Society, or CancerCare Manitoba. www.seasonsfunerals.ca
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2014
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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The staff of the CARP National Office are saddened to have just learned of Darlene's passing. We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Anthony Quinn (CARP National Office) on: Feb 25, 2014
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I met Darlene through Mary Kay more than 30 years ago. She was always a bubbly, positive caring person. There was always a lot to talk about when we got together. I was truly saddened by her sudden passing and will miss her. My sincerest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Mabel Pronyk () on: Feb 03, 2014
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I worked with Darlene at Manitoba Health, Legislative Unit for a few years prior to her retirement. She was an absolutely wonderful and caring person. She volunteered as a Cat Cuddler at the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS), so when I retired I decided that I would take up this volunteer activity as well. I love doing this and I can see that Darlene would be such a loving cuddler. The cats are really going to miss her as is the WHS. My condolences to her family and friends. I will miss seeing her. - Posted by: Lesley Mayer (former co-worker and Winnipeg Humane Society volunteer) on: Jan 28, 2014
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Today we said our final goodbye to our great friend Dar. Her family did an amazing job preparing and presenting a memorial fitting such a very special and loved lady. Her memory will live on in her two wonderful sons and their families and her siblings and their families. We are honored to have shared her life. Love you Dar... - Posted by: Jack and Jacki Stevenson (close friends) on: Jan 28, 2014
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Dar brightened many lives and touched many hearts. Deepest sympathies during this difficult time - Posted by: Elaine Owre (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2014
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Darlene Demkey was a member of the toastmasters family since 1997 when she joined the Healthy Talkers Toastmasters Club shortly after it chartered, in 1997. She stayed with that club through their lean years when they struggled with membership, even following her retirement from Manitoba Health when the down town meeting location was no longer convenient. As the only remaining charter member, I certainly appreciated her faithfulness and dedication. Around 2010, when this club was stable again, she transferred to the Daytimers Club; it was our loss and their gain for sure. From the information she shared, it was very apparent how important her family was to her, and we certainly heard about her love for golf as well. She also had a passion for serving the community at large and was very humble in her service. On behalf of the Healthy Talkers Toastmasters Club, our hearts are with Darlene's family. She was a lovely lady and we will miss her in toastmasters circles. - Posted by: Donalda Walker (Past coworker and fellow Toastmaster of 17 years) on: Jan 28, 2014
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I've known Darlene since shortly after moving to Transcona over 10 yrs. ago. A very loving person. Always had a moment to ask how we were doing, and to mention how Dylan had grown. Every year she would send us a postcard from Hawaii and I would hang them up in my kitchen and love to look at them often, especially since I've never been there. I will continue to keep these pictures hanging on my cupboard especially in memory of Darlene. I'll miss our nice little chats. You have been taken way too soon, we will miss you dearly. Love, Louise and Dylan Hill - Posted by: Louise Hill and son Dylan (Back lane neighbours) on: Jan 27, 2014
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Our deepest condolences to Wayne, Brad and their families and to her brothers and sisters. Dar was a very special lady. She will be missed by all. No words can say what the family is feeling now, but remember, there is another angel watching over us. We will miss you Dar. Love the MacPhersons. - Posted by: Bruce and Jackie Macpherson (friend) on: Jan 27, 2014
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I would like to express my deepest condolences to Darlene's family. I have known Darlene for over 15 years, doing her hair every six weeks on a regular basis. I will miss her thoughtfulness and sharing of adventures especially with her grandkids who are close in age to my own children. We had lots of laughs and many great memories. RIP, you will be missed but never forgotten. - Posted by: Lina Pura (Hair Stylist) on: Jan 27, 2014
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I'd like to express my deepest condolences to Darlene's family. I was very fortunate to meet Darlene through Mary Kay and also worked with her in the Look Good Feel Better program. Darlene was such a classy lady, very caring and compassionate and someone you could truly count on. I will truly miss her. - Posted by: Ali Boutet (Friend) on: Jan 27, 2014
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On behalf of Look Good Feel Better, I wish to extend the deepest sympathy to Darlene's family. Darlene was a truly committed and caring volunteer, who brought smiles to the many women she shared her heart and cosmetic expertise with. Darlene reached a rarely achieved milestone, 20 years as a dedicated and valued volunteer with Look Good Feel Better. This milestone speaks to Darlene's commitment and dedication to her community. Look Good Feel Better was blessed to have her as a volunteer. She will be forever missed by her loving volunteer teammates, and never forgotten! Erika Ellis - Regional Manager for Look Good Feel Better for AB/SASK/MB - Posted by: EErika Ellis () on: Jan 27, 2014
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I will miss my best friend and confidante. We golfed together twice a week and she always asked about my kids and cared a lot about how I was doing. She shared stories on what her grandkids and extended family were up to. Darlene was a wonderful, caring person and I will miss our chats and golf games. She was taken from us too soon and she will always have a special place in our hearts. - Posted by: Deb Riel (Niece) on: Jan 27, 2014
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We first met Dar in Hawaii many years ago and have looked forward to seeing her every year. We were so sad to hear of her passing and want to send our condolences to her family, especially to Fran and Bob, Donny and Beth, who we got to know very well. We will miss her smile, her warmth and the many fun times we had together. May God wrap his loving arms around your family. Our thoughts are with you during this time. Deanna and Cal - Posted by: Deanna Barlow and Cal George (Friends ) on: Jan 27, 2014
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We only met Darlene since CARP, (Canadian Association of Retired People) Chapter #53, formed in East Winnipeg, two years ago. Darlene was its President, or Chair. She had such a wonderful welcoming personality, with such a beautiful smile. You would do anything to help her out. She really left us with a positive, sincere attitude of volunteerism. Just show up and let's do this together. We will certainly miss her, but will make an effort to carry out her spirit of making a difference in the lives of others. Thank You Darlene! - Posted by: John & Georgette Plischke (Members of CARP) on: Jan 26, 2014
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Sincere condolences to Darlene's Family and Friends on their loss. I will always have fond memories of her - playing Bocci (she was a great referee), being my room-mate at the Senior Games and just visiting. She could walk into a room never realizing she filled it with beauty and laughter. She will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Janet Bates (Friend) on: Jan 26, 2014
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I only knew Darlene for a few years. I enjoyed their family golf tournaments. She will be truly missed. - Posted by: Ellen Cairns (Cousin) on: Jan 26, 2014
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First I would like express my deepest sympathy to Darlene’s family. I have known Darlene for many years in a working capacity, and over the past six years since I have retired, Darlene and I have tried to meet on a monthly basis. We have enjoyed many happy lunches and shared our heartfelt experiences. We certainly both had a lot to talk about including our gorgeous grandchildren. I am deeply saddened and will dearly miss Darlene’s wonderful friendship. - Posted by: Veronica Glowicki (Friend) on: Jan 26, 2014
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Chuck and I both worked with Darlene and I was part of her golfing foursome in the two leagues. She was very proud of her family and talked a lot about them. She was a good friend and I will miss our golf games and girl's dinner and a movie night. Though you left us too soon, Dar, I will think of you with a smile and remember your caring and giving nature. Memories will keep you in our hearts. - Posted by: Diane and Chuck Sawyer (Co-workers at Manitoba Health and good friend) on: Jan 25, 2014
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Darlene was one of the first people I met when I began attending Transcona Memorial UC in November 2010. We chatted often before and after church and at church events. I was surprised to see her at Iris Thiry's funeral a couple of years ago. I was so shocked to learn of her death, and will miss her very much. My sympathy to her family. - Posted by: Cathie Morgan Matula (fellow member of Transcona Memorial United Church) on: Jan 25, 2014
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I have known Darlene since we went to school together. She was a wonderful friend and always willing to help. I will miss our phone conversations and she was always there if someone needed to talk. We will really miss her. - Posted by: Milly & Stan Kostka (Sister & brother in-law) on: Jan 25, 2014
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Darlene loved life and as her grandchildren will tell you .... she was always there for them .... oh how they all adore her. When in Maui last year we would all meet & spend the morning on the beach. Little Ella and Darlene every morning would walk down the beach to a place they would feed the fish & try to find sea shells. The smiles they had on their faces walking hand & hand together was so awesome to see. She would walk into the ocean just up to the knees holding Ava & Max's hands & having the waves splash up on them ... They had so much fun... A picture I will always keep in memory. Darlene & I shared the greatest of loves our Grandchildren Ava, Max & Ella. Darlene you will be greatly missed.... - Posted by: Linda M Foley (Other Grandma to Ava, Max & Ella ) on: Jan 25, 2014
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I first met Darlene at a craft show about 41/2 years ago where we talked up a storm and we have kept in touch ever since. She was indeed a wonderful woman. Take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved husband and together as Angels they will always be with you. - Posted by: Barb Krause (Mary Kay) on: Jan 25, 2014