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VANESSA LEE DAVIS Obituary pic

VANESSA LEE DAVIS

Born: Jan 17, 1972

Date of Passing: Apr 27, 2025

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VANESSA LEE DAVIS

(KAFKA)

January 17, 1972 - April 27, 2025


Vanessa left us peacefully surrounded by family at Health Sciences Centre following a courageous battle with Breast Cancer.

Left to celebrate her life are her soul mate/husband of 28 years Doug, her cherished boys, Nicholas and Zachary, and her beloved pups, Rocko and Roxy. Her mother Elizabeth, sisters, Ronda/Rob, Lisa/Tim, Belinda/Brad, nieces Kyley/Chris, Cassy, Johnette, Brenna/Bryce, nephews, Brendan/Halle, Scott, Forest, Cooper, in-laws, Gord/Barb, Lisa/Steve as well as many extended family and close friends, all of which she loved fiercely.

Vanessa grew up in EK accompanied by her lifelong friend Karen, who introduced her to the love of her life Doug when she attended KE Grad as Karen's +1. She had a love of sports, excelling at softball and ringette. Ness attended Miles Mac IB Program graduating with Honours and went on to attend University of Manitoba Nursing Program graduating in 1995 with Distinction. This began her incredible career as an amazing Caregiver working mainly on H4 where she became CRN. In her iconic black on black attire and her long blonde braid down her back, she stood out and was known for her dedication to caring, always giving of herself to comfort others, leaving a legacy to be measured by. Everyone who met Ness was impacted by her generosity and kindness. Her passion was her boys whom she was tremendously proud of. She loved being a Mom especially both a Hockey and Football Mom, cheering louder than anyone. Her motto: Healthy/Happy/Fierce. Vanessa did everything to the Max: loving, caring, crafting, fishing, etc, it was all done with her whole heart. Ness loved her time at the cottage, making many memories with family and friends, where she will forever be remembered in her SHE SHED.

A special Thank You to all her healthcare family and friends that helped her through her journey.

Please join us in celebrating her legacy May 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Gateway Rec Centre, 2nd level Banquet Hall, 1717 Gateway Rd.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2025

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

  • Vanessa has been on my mind all year, I just found out about her passing and want to express my deepest condolences to Doug, the boys and her whole family. Our family knows this pain all too well and my heart breaks for all of you. - Posted by: Shannon Davis (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2025

  • I just heard about this, my deepest condolences to family and friends. I didn't know Vanessa well, but I do have memories of playing against her in ringette. She was a fierce player! She will be deeply missed. Shannon (nee Green) - Posted by: Shannon Lalbiharie (acquaintance) on: Aug 19, 2025

  • I had been thinking of Vanessa all month, holding her in prayer and noticing the quiet. Today I am told she has left this world and gone to be in a much better place where pain does not exist. But for those left behind there is now the pain of loss. While we never met physically, we knew each other, first with the online scrapbook group, and then later as online buddies. We prayed together when your son needed a device to help manage his diabetes and cheered when so many came forward to help. We applauded the sports victories and loved seeing the pictures of your beautiful family. A friend once described online friendships as "friends we have not met" and I truly enjoyed the friendship we had. Doug I will be lifting you and the boys in prayer for peace and His comfort in your loss. Vanessa was the best. - Posted by: Janice Varga (Scrapbook friend) on: Jun 29, 2025

  • THANK YOU VANESSA - Posted by: george gordonDavis (FATHER IN LAW) on: Jun 29, 2025

  • Our sincerest condolences to Vanessa's family. It is evident from the beautiful tributes in memory of Vanessa she had a remarkable commitment to her family community and nursing. We are honored to have had Vanessa as one of our own nursing sisters. May you find comfort in your loving memories. Most Sincerely WGH/HSC Nursing Alumni - Posted by: Marian Ulyatt (Friendship Convener WGH/HSC Nursing Alumni) on: May 21, 2025

  • We worked together on GH4 for several years…she was a very dedicated nurse who always had your back…her passion for nursing was evident as soon as you met her…I enjoyed our time together even when it was harrowing…from flights to Edmonton or London, Ontario for transfer with patients going for liver transplants…she was always game to go if one of us couldn’t…she was steady, reliable and extremely bright…she didn’t shy away from the most difficult patients…she was a hardworking person…I lost touch with her as our careers diverged…but I never forgot her…rest in peace Vanessa… - Posted by: Sandra Herie (Coworker) on: May 20, 2025

  • Our time spent with the Davis family is something I will always treasure. Among the most enjoyable moments of my life were the numerous visits, dinners, celebrations, and time spent at their cabin. I will also never forget our trip to Hobby Lobby where Vanessa out shopped me. As we were attempting to fit everything we had bought in my trunk she said, “Look out, there's a new sheriff in town.” She wasn’t wrong and I’m sure Doug agreed as well when we arrived and began unloading all of her shopping bags. Another treasured memory I have is of playing Rummoli with the family. Kenny Rogers, The Gambler, came on the radio and we all started belting out the words. Every time I hear that song, it brings me back to that fun night. Vanessa's smile was everything, and she truly brightened every room she entered. She possessed a certain charm that endeared her to everyone who crossed her path. She had a way of making everyone feel at home and like family. My heart aches and I'm very sorry for her family, especially for Doug, Nick, and Zack. Your family has the most beautiful guardian angel watching over you all. She will always be in my heart and thoughts and I will pray for your family. Please accept my sincerest condolences. RIP beautiful Vanessa. xxx - Posted by: Laurie Andrews (Friend) on: May 13, 2025

  • Our condolences to all who loved Vanessa, especially her family. This is a very difficult time for you. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Aunt Judy and Uncle Al - Posted by: Judy Kuffner (Aunt) on: May 13, 2025

  • I am so heartbroken to hear about Vanessa’s passing. She was an amazing individual, inside and out. She was one of the nurses that first welcomed me onto GH4. She mentored me to become a STRONG GH4 NURSE! Thank you Vanessa! I will keep those N12 shift close to me! It was a blast working with you! You will be missed Pretty Lady! 🤍🤍🤍 Sending my sincere condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Jennifer Stokowski (GH4 Nurse Colleague) on: May 12, 2025

  • Our thoughts go out to Vanessa's family in this time of great sorrow. Know she will always be with you. - Posted by: Chris, Jenny, & Madison (Friends) on: May 11, 2025

  • Our thoughts are with the whole family during this difficult time. Bernice & Jay - Posted by: Bernice Hawton (Aunt) on: May 11, 2025

  • Doug and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Vanessa's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Janet and Shane Labovich (Friend) on: May 11, 2025

  • My condolences to Doug and his family. I’m so so sorry to hear of Vanessa's passing. - Posted by: Blaine (Friend) on: May 10, 2025

  • She Is at Peace For Vanessa “She is at peace she has passed away”. No flourish, no formality— just heartbreak laid plain in the quiet echo of a message that changed everything. In those six words, the world stilled. The room fell heavy, as if the air itself had bowed its head. No thunder, no wailing of winds— just the soft hush of a soul slipping gently into rest. She is at peace— may we hold that truth like a candle in grief’s shadow, flickering but steady. She has passed away— yet love does not, nor memory, nor the imprint she leaves on all who knew her. And so, in the silence between each breath, we carry her onward— not gone, just gone ahead. Vanessa, thank you for your gifts of friendship, authenticity, kindness and joy. You will always be remembered. - Posted by: Victor Andres (Friend) on: May 10, 2025

  • A little while back I heard that Vanessa beat this horrible cancer that so many are inflicted with. During the course of her treatment, Kerri, would mention her progress and it always made us feel grateful to have a small part of her life that was expected to continue. Our sincere condolences to Doug and the boys that Vanessa was so proud of. - Posted by: AJ Trudeau, Kerri Pearson (friends) on: May 10, 2025

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