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JOSEPHINE (JOSIE) HILL
Born: Jul 08, 1955
Date of Passing: Dec 05, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSEPHINE (JOSIE) HILL
After a short battle with cancer, Josie peacefully passed with her family by her side at Riverview Health Centre on December 5, 2025.
Josie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son Robert (Susie), daughter Melanie; granddaughters, Justine (James), Brittany, Rayleene, Adriel, Leona; and her beloved great-grandsons, James and Jace. Josie is survived by her sister Victoria, brother John; nieces and nephews, Chris, Tamara, Damien and Angela.
Josie was born and raised in Winnipeg with fond memories of growing up in Point Douglas and living in the North End of the city. Her modest upbringing and loving family shaped the remarkable woman she became. Josie, while raising her young children returned to school where she completed three university degrees, a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education in seven years.
From there she went on to make enormous contributions to Winnipeg’s Inner City and Indigenous community. She was a founding member of Andrews Street Family Centre and Blue Thunderbird Family Care. She also played a pivotal leadership role at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.
Josie received numerous awards recognizing her tireless work and positive attitude in the community, including an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from The University of Winnipeg (2010), The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and The Order of Canada (2017), among many others.
Josie loved to travel with family and friends. Some of her favourite destinations were New Zealand, where she made many Maori friends, Ireland with her friend Elaine and Corpus Cristi with her friend Wendy.
Josie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, telling stories and laughing. More than anything, she loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were her everything and always made her smile. When they were around, nothing else mattered.
Josie has made countless friendships in her life and will be joining her mother Jean and friends Elizabeth, Chris, Isobel, Wendy, Muriel, Lainie and Larry.
Thank you to Riverview Health Centre, Palliative care nurse Michelle and CIV nurse Epsi. Thank you, Dana, Steph and Candi, for being there in Josie’s final moments.
Josie lived well, laughed lots and loved deeply! Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched. Forever in our hearts!
A photo biography honouring Josie’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2025
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Dorothy and I offer our condolences to Josie’s family. We have followed her work in education and community. We are proud to be associated with such a wonderful lady though at a distance Ray and Dorothy Hill - Posted by: Ray Hill (First cousin to Allan) on: Dec 15, 2025
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My condolences to the family at this sad time. - Posted by: Eva staceny (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2025
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Robert and Mel and families. Our sincere condolences on the passing of Josie. Josie was our "special sister" in-law. Many years of laughs and smiles shared. Josie's hard work and determination to help many others improve their lives was admired by all that knew her. May God Bless and comfort the family at this sad time. Josie's great smile and wonderful laugh remains in our hearts. Jim & Barb Campbell - Posted by: Jim Campbell (Special Sister) on: Dec 13, 2025
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My heartfelt condolences to Melanie and Robbie, et al, I am so lucky to have known Josie and played a small part in her remarkable life. The grimace on her face of her first (and only) bite of eating raw seal is indelibly etched in my mind - and makes me smile. - Posted by: Martyn Glassman (Old Friend) on: Dec 13, 2025
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Although I hadn’t been in touch with Josie in some years, I think of her often. She was the best natural leader I ever saw, and I am grateful for all the things I learned by watching her example and simply by passing through her zone of influence. I know her family will miss her dearly, but I also know that you all realize how fortunate you have been to have had her for so long. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us through so many years and across so many organizations. Her legacy cannot be put into words. - Posted by: Blair Hamilton (Fan) on: Dec 13, 2025
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My condolences to Mel, Robbie and their families. Many years ago Josie and her children were an extension of our family through marriage. She was always full of love and laughter. Even after years of not seeing each other she always had a hug and smile to give. Prayers and thoughts with you all during this difficult time. Dana Campbell Valente. - Posted by: Dana Valente (Family) on: Dec 13, 2025
