> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings

DARIEN LOUISE RUSSELL (AIKENHEAD)

Born: Apr 24, 1938

Date of Passing: Jun 25, 2018

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DARIEN LOUISE RUSSELL (nee AIKENHEAD) After a courageous fight with cancer for over a year, Darien Louise Russell passed away peacefully on June 25, 2018. She was born in Neepawa on April 24, 1938. Darien was predeceased by her parents, Alfred Ray and Ranveig Elin Aikenhead, and twin siblings who died shortly after birth. Mom will be lovingly cherished and remembered by her son Ian (Moira) of Creston, BC, daughter Patricia Reeve (Don) of Red Deer, AB, and daughter Kristine Sawry (Ken) of Stonewall, MB. Grandma will be missed by her eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Darien is survived by her sister Denyse Whalley (Doug) and their children, and her cousins. Darien grew up on the farm at Wellwood, MB until she took her first year university at United College in Winnipeg and then entered St. Boniface School of Nursing in 1955 graduating in 1958 as a Registered Nurse. Darien has worked in many areas of the health field including being a Public Health Nurse, 20 years at M.H.S.C., a CEO at various rural hospitals, and various capacities dealing with long term care for seniors. She played a major role in the development of the Manitoba Air Ambulance Service, the development and implementation of standards for Personal Care Homes in Manitoba, the creation of the Palliative Care Unit at Stonewall Hospital, and various other activities in the support of health care for seniors. She was a champion for seniors' rights including patient advocacy and cheaper housing for seniors. Darien was an avid reader and gardener and enjoyed playing organ and piano, curling (playing and watching), attending her grandchildren's music or school concerts and sports events, family vacations, travelling, and playing cribbage. Some travel highlights included: Africa where she survived a hot air balloon crash, Florida with Patricia's family, Japan, the UK, parts of continental Europe, and her last big adventure going to Iceland with Patricia and Don and finding the birthplaces of her mother and grandparents. Grandma was an amazing pastry maker but some of her cookies turned out burnt and as hard as rock - lol. Darien was involved with the Anglican Church of Ascension in Stonewall where she served in various capacities. She was part of many activities and clubs in the Stonewall area (District Chair of Golden Gals of the Stonewall Curling Club and member of its Seniors Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of Stonewall, Cook at the Ladies Auxiliary of Legion Branch #52). Mom also gave much of her time as a volunteer in her service to help others and was always available whenever there was a need. She was also a volunteer driver for Canadian Cancer Society, member and Treasurer of the Stonewall & District Health Foundation, member of St. Boniface Hospital Registered Nurses Alumni, and one of the leaders in the Long Term Care Association of Manitoba Stonewall Supportive Housing Initiative. Interment will be a private graveside service for immediate family only. At Darien's request, for which her family has chosen to honour, there will be no memorial service. Her immediate family extends special thanks to the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Selkirk Regional Hospital Cancer Ward, Health Sciences Centre Cancer Ward, Stonewall Regional Hospital and Palliative Care, and Home Care. In lieu of flowers and cards, donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Stonewall Hospital Palliative Care. Arrangements entrusted to: MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall, MB
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2018

DARIEN LOUISE RUSSELL (nee AIKENHEAD) Peacefully at Stonewall Palliative Care, after a courageous battle with cancer, Darien Louise Russell passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018. Mom will be lovingly cherished and remembered by her family and friends. In respecting Mom's request, interment will be a private family graveside service. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2018, Jun 30, 2018

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • It is with great sadness that I am writing these few words for this great lady, and a dear friend. My wife and I met Darien through church activities, and found instant friendship. Darien was an immediate friend to so many in all walks of life, just as she was so passionate about all the activities for which she was involved, and there were many. Many may not know, that Darien Russel was one of the original advocates , and as a matter of fact, she and a few cohorts spear headed a campaign for the proposed Personal Care Home and Assisted Living in the Town of Stonewall. It became an obsession, and in the end unfortunately, she is unable to see it becoming a reality. Her thoughtfulness and work ethics will be forever missed, and I am certain that she has moved on to a better place. - Posted by: Clive Hinds (Friend ) on: Jul 25, 2018

  • On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba, our deepest sympathies are extended to the family. Darien was passionate about seniors' care. She devoted each day to finding ways to make their lives better. She also nurtured the association and mentored its members and through this gained significant awareness. She will be missed. Jan Legeros Executive Director, Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba - Posted by: Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba (Colleague) on: Jul 12, 2018

  • I met Darien at Stonewall Senior Curling Club. She was a wonderful person and just fun to be around she will be missed by all who knew her. - Posted by: Brian Watts (Friends ) on: Jul 11, 2018

  • On behalf of Pauline Martyniw and myself from Selkirk, MB, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Darien was a good friend and made an important contribution to the care of the elderly in Manitoba for many years. She will remain in our thoughts and memories as a caring and committed person always. She will be missed. Sincerely Ashley Martyniw - Posted by: John Martyniw (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2018

  • I met Darien through curling when she first moved to the Stonewall area. After our retirements, we met again through curling and ACW, becoming good friends. Our Icelandic connection and our 'small town' roots were ones we both appreciated and talked about. We will all miss Darien; the whole community will miss her as she worked diligently for all of us in many organizations. My condolences to the family. You will have many memories to help you in your time of grief. Darien was one great lady to have as a friend. - Posted by: Linda Hall (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2018

  • Darien we will miss you terribly at the curling rink and many other places we go because you volunteered with so many organizations. It was a pleasure and honour to have worked with you. Our condolences to the family, of whom she spoke so proudly of. Rest in peace and pain free. What a fighter you were!!! - Posted by: Ray & Faye Mason (Friend and co-volunteers) on: Jul 03, 2018

  • Darien was a wonderful lady. We first met through Curves. She was so very involved in the community and will be missed. I think of her often right now, as I pick Saskatoons, because she was always telling me she was going picking, that they were ready, etc. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Joy sime (friend) on: Jul 01, 2018

  • We feel privileged to have been a friend of Darien. Her devotion to family and community was next to none. She will be missed by many people in this town. We are very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Doug and Lenore Oakford (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2018

  • The Stonewall Seniors Curling will not be the same without Darien. Our condolences to the Family. Rest in peace Darien. Your Friends, Craig Ross and Diane Rennie - Posted by: Craig Ross (Friends) on: Jun 27, 2018

  • Darien was a wonderful and caring lady. She was so involved with the community. We had so many wonderful times and laughs at Curves and especially at Sig's every Friday morning. My sincere sympathy to all the family. We will miss you Darien. Your friend, Chris - Posted by: Chris Scrivener (friend) on: Jun 27, 2018

  • Darien and I met through work and have been friends for about 30 years. I will remember a warm, compassionate person with a wicked sense of humour. Her family was the focus of her life and all your joys and pains were hers. I will miss her, my heart goes out to you. All my love, Hila - Posted by: hila willkie (friend) on: Jun 27, 2018

❮ Go Back to Listings