Dianne Baziuk (nee Bilyj)

Obituary

Passed on December 10, 2022

September 30, 1943-December 10, 2022            With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma at Grace Hospital, with her family by her side. Cherishing her memory are her husband Jarvis, daughters Tracy, Teresa (Doug Melnychuk), and Tammy (Rob Wainwright), grandson Michael (Kathleen), granddaughter Magdalena, great-grandson Matthew, many nieces and nephews and several close friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Rose Bilyj, sisters Anne and Nat, and brother Oscar.

Dianne was born in Brooklands, Manitoba, and was the youngest of four children. She had many fond memories of helping sister Anne with her market garden, a passion that was carried on in her years in Stonewall and while living in Winnipeg. On October 10, 1961 Dianne had her first date with Jarvis going to the Airport Drive-In theatre and then to A&W for hamburgers. A & W remained a favorite dining location throughout their marriage. They wed in 1962 and had the honour of recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Dianne attended Red River College and achieved her bookkeeping diploma in 1982, which came in handy when doing the books for Jarvis’ business. She also worked for Henderson Directories and then for Angus Reid until she retired in 2006.

When their children were young, they moved to Stonewall to raise their family. Dianne was active in the church in Stonewall, and volunteered to help with her children’s activities, spending many years as a 4-H leader. Dianne loved baking and enjoyed serving baked treats to friends when they came over to visit. Dianne was excited to celebrate the weddings of two of her daughters and welcomed her two sons-in-law into the family; Teresa to Doug in 1993 and Tammy to Rob in 2004. She enjoyed watching her family grow, and was especially fond of her grandchildren, Michael and Magdalena. She was proud of their accomplishments and celebrated their successes. She was extremely proud to have taken part in Michael’s wedding and Magdalena’s university graduation. Dianne was overjoyed with the news of becoming a great-grandma and relished every moment she spent with great-grandson, Matthew. Dianne loved listening to country music and enjoyed attending concerts. Her closet was full of concert t-shirts from the shows that she attended. In 2009, she enjoyed a dream trip to Nashville with Jarvis and daughter Tracy, visiting iconic places such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, and dining at Loretta Lynn’s Kitchen.

Dianne’s last few years were challenging due to several health concerns, which limited her independence. Attending the Prime Program at Deer Lodge Centre was the highlight of her last few months. She enjoyed the people, the activities and the chance to get out on her own again. Dianne’s family would like to thank the staff at the Prime Program for the increased independence and enjoyment they provided for her, and for their exceptional care.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Grace Hospital 4 South for their excellent care during Dianne’s last few weeks. We are extremely grateful for the support and comfort that you provided to all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 14, 2023 at Crestview United Church, 316 Hamilton Avenue, Winnipeg, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch) 1-452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3Y 1G4, or to the Prime Program through the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 0L3

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