EDITH (ARLENE) BOIVIN

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EDITH (ARLENE) BOIVIN

April 28, 1943 - July 22, 2025

Arlene Boivin passed away July 22, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born in Victoria, British Columbia, on April 28, 1943, a daughter to Frank and Lois Pinfold, Arlene lived a life defined by compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering love. She was the devoted wife to William (Bill) Boivin, her partner and best friend for 61 years. Together they built not just a marriage, but a true partnership full of laughter, resilience, and a legacy of family.

Arlene was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Lois Pinfold; her beloved son Rick Boivin; and her step-grandson Jessie Podaima.

She is survived by her husband Bill; her daughter Katherine (Glenn) Podaima; her adored grandchildren, Stephanie (Max Golden), Justin, and Quintan; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Owen and Ava Golden.

She is also remembered with love by extended family including Trevor (Kim) Podaima, James Podaima (Kyrie), Kristen Podaima (Joe), Bennett, Sarah and Jordyn Podaima, Aria and Joseph Gatien.

Arlene’s family extended far beyond blood. She had a rare gift for “collecting” people, especially kids and young adults who needed love, guidance, friendship, or simply someone to believe in them. She became a second mom, aunt, or grandma to many, including Mike Kerr, Kevin Kubota, Sherry, Brent and Harry Leach, Samantha Tooke, and so many more who stayed connected to her throughout the years.

Her primary role in life was homemaker a calling she embraced with heart and humour. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and decorated to the season. Arlene took joy in the little things: pumpkin and skeleton earrings for Halloween, glittering snowflakes and Christmas trees in December, and just the right outfit for every occasion. Her nails were always immaculate, something she kept up with pride until her final days.

With a natural flair for style and connection, Arlene later became a manicurist, a role that suited her perfectly. Working alongside her dear friend Ria Moreau (Andy), she formed close bonds with clients who often became friends. Never one to stop growing, she eventually took on a new path as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, driven by her deep desire to help others and serve her community. During that time, she formed a lasting friendship with Tanya Cutting, a kindred spirit in care and service.

Throughout her life, Arlene had a soft spot for strays, whether animal or human. Her door was always open, the coffee always on, and her heart never turned away anyone in need of comfort or belonging.

She was a loyal, lifelong friend. Her earliest friendship with John and Cea Engbers endured through every season of life. After moving to Pinawa, where she lived for 50 years, she built deep and lasting bonds with community members, the Christian Fellowship Church and special neighbours, including the late Les and Betty Hembroff, the Elcocks, the late Hamptons, the Leaches and countless others who came and went through the years. Arlene treasured those friendships, carrying them with her even after she and Bill moved to Winnipeg.

Arlene led a vibrant social life. She effortlessly formed new friendships through golf, curling, bridge and crib. Later, she and Bill joined the Lac du Bonnet bowling league, where she quickly found a new circle of fun-loving, supportive teammates. After relocating to Winnipeg, they joined the Monday Morning Eaton Bowling League, where once again, Arlene’s warmth, wit, and unwavering encouragement made her a beloved part of the group. Whether rolling strikes or sharing laughs over coffee, she brought light and kindness to every gathering.

Arlene was the heart of her family and the soul of every community she joined. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy of love, humour, grace, and generosity will live on in every life she touched.

A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, those who knew her are invited to honour her memory in their own way by performing an act of kindness, caring for an animal, or simply wearing something festive, just because she would have.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Winnipeg Humane Society, in recognition of her lifelong love for animals and her generous, open-hearted spirit.

Tribute Link: www.alternacremation.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2025