DARLENE GOLINOSKI

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DARLENE GOLINOSKI

March 12, 1946 – April 7, 2024

Sadly, Darlene unexpectedly passed peacefully at the Victoria Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and lived in BC for a time as a child before coming to Manitoba.

She is survived by her brother Delmer in Edmonton, Alberta, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Freda and John, as well as her brother Robert.

She had many lifelong friends who will miss her great sense of humour, and her cheerful company. She loved to have fun, and dearly loved her friends, many of whom she’s had since university. Darlene was always very good to her friends and appreciated them so much. She was game to go anywhere and do anything. She travelled to many places in the world and enjoyed coming to know and understand different cultures and made friends within them. She took pleasure in her gardening and won prizes for her yard’s design and beauty. With her wonderful hostess skills, she held garden parties over the years with beautiful table settings and delicious food. Darlene was a wonderful cook. Her family and friends enjoyed many memorable dinners in her beautifully decorated home. Visiting her home was like visiting a small art museum with her fine collection of paintings and other objects d’art.

Darlene began her career as a teacher in Northern Manitoba. She made friends back then that she continued to communicate with. Her teaching skills brought her into a long career at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) where she enjoyed many different positions. Of particular note, she supervised the Community Education program, which was well known as excellent within the health care community. She worked in partnership with the University of Manitoba developing and implementing counsellor training with a specialization in addictions. Later, Darlene was a key member working in partnership with Justice, the Division of Driver and Vehicle Licensing and the AFM developing and implementing the Provincial Impaired Driver Program. The program remains in place today.

Darlene volunteered her time with the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Fringe Festival, the “Things Shop” supporting the Winnipeg Ballet, and many other worthy causes. She and Robert together mentored several young people through their growing years providing them with many experiences and much love. Darlene modified her house to provide care for, and have her mother come to live with her for many years. As Robert became very ill, she was his primary caregiver. She ensured any experiences that would bring her mother and brother pleasure, taking them anywhere they wanted or needed to go.

It was only fitting that at the end of her life, she was blessed with wonderful care from the 5th floor South at the Victoria Hospital. She was so grateful to the kind, attentive and caring staff.

At Darlene’s request, there will be no funeral. Should you wish, remember her with a donation to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2024, Apr 13, 2024