YVONNE LAROY CANTIN

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YVONNE LAROY CANTIN

(nee SMITH)

June 15, 1934 - November 11, 2025

Yvonne LaRoy Cantin (née Smith) passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 91.

Born in Kenora, Ontario on June 15, 1934, Yvonne is survived by her devoted husband, Harvey; her sister, Sheila; her children, Jeffrey (Cheryle), Darcy (Dave) and Paul (Linda), and her grandchildren, Max (Ailie), Carter and Holly. She was predeceased by her parents, Hazel and Roy, and by her son, Blair Andrew.

Yvonne grew up on Churchill Drive in Winnipeg and graduated from Kelvin High School before pursuing studies to become an x-ray technician. After several years in the profession, she chose to begin a family with the love of her life, Harvey, and the couple married in 1958. A dedicated volunteer, she was a member and past president of the White Cross Guild at what was then the General Hospital, offering support and compassion to patients in need while raising an active household filled with children and pets.

Over the years, Yvonne took on various part-time roles before ultimately joining Harvey full-time in the family business, Cantin Drugs, in Charleswood, which served the community for more than three decades. In the mid-1990s, the couple embarked on a new adventure, opening a pharmacy in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. There, they immersed themselves in northern culture, made lasting friendships, and explored the land together on their ATVs. Upon their return, they settled in Gimli, Manitoba, before later moving back to Winnipeg.

Yvonne cherished her family, her grandchildren, and friends, and found joy in the companionship of a number of pet dogs throughout her life. She loved the outdoors - a passion inherited from her father - along with big band music, dancing, arts and crafts, camping, and catching up with those she cared about.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the Charleswood Care Centre, especially Alicia, Ines, Lois and Dorie. Their kindness, professionalism, and personal care provided great comfort during Yvonne’s final journey.

Yvonne formed lifelong friendships and delighted in new acquaintances, especially during her time with Harvey at the Wellington retirement home. Although Alzheimer’s stole many cherished memories from Yvonne, for those who knew and loved her, the warmth of Yvonne’s memory will endure.

Donations in Yvonne’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society Manitoba are greatly appreciated: Alzheimer.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2025