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Victoria Brunel

Obituary Photo

VICTORIA “VICKI” BRUNEL

April 12, 1942 – May 6, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Victoria Nancy Brunel, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and care of her family. Born April 12, 1942, in Red Lake Ontario, Vicki is predeceased by her parents, Peter and Marie Slobodian; survived by siblings, June Slobodian, Peter Slobodian, Kathy (Gary) Gerylo; children, Lisa (Mike) Taylor and Michelle (Curt) Schreiber; and grand-children, Dane Taylor, Jack Taylor, Ella Schreiber, and Liam Schreiber.


Vicki’s life was a tapestry woven with rich experiences, adventures and achievements. She was a strong, independent woman who had a passion for teaching and learning. In her early years, Vicki practiced playing “teacher” with little sister June (June skipped grade 1!). Vicki went on to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career, spanning over 40 years, teaching in the Winnipeg School Division. While doing so, she frequently taught and took evening classes. And then, because Vicki was always up for new adventure, she offered leadership and professional learning opportunities in various Caribbean Islands. Vicki truly believed in the transformative power of education; she inspired her students to pursue knowledge and left a mark on their lives.


Vicki’s passion for learning never waned. Her adventurous spirit took her around the world to Japan, South America, South Africa, Europe, and Ukraine where she explored her roots. Vicki’s travels were not just about seeing new places but about expanding her understanding of the world and its people.


Family was at the core of Vicki’s heart. Proud mother to Lisa and Michelle and grandmother to Dane, Jack, Ella and Liam; her legacy of love, strength and wisdom lives on in all of them. In Vicki’s own words: “Being a grandmother was the best of times. I have dearly loved cheering for you beloved grandchildren and am happy to have lived to watch you grow and use your gifts wisely. I love you more than words can say. You are the wind beneath my wings.”


Vicki kept a beautiful and wide circle of steadfast, loyal friends. Whether enjoying the arts, hiking, yoga, her beloved book club, or sharing a chat over “snooty” coffee; it is her friendships that sustained her and have been an integral part of her life journey. Vicki’s dear friend recently wrote… “Over the years, many people walk in and out of our lives, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. My heart is full of your footprints”. Vicki’s vibrant spirit and the love she shared will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.


As we say goodbye, 

Vicki wanted to remind us: 


“Don’t cry because I am gone. 

Instead, be happy because I was here. 

In my end is my beginning”.


A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Mary, the Mother Church. In lieu of flowers, it is Vicki’s hope that friends perform an unsolicited and unexpected act of kindness or submit a donation to Cancer Care.


Vicki’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Kathy Gorber

June 8, 2025 at 12:16 PM

My condolences to Lisa and Michelle and family. My parents thoroughly enjoyed and valued the friendship they had with your mom long after she moved away from Edgewater Drive. The following picture is of your mom on our backyard deck on Edgewater Drive, with your old home in the background. Take care.

Kathy Gorber

June 8, 2025 at 12:02 PM

My condolences to Lisa and Michelle and family. My parents thoroughly enjoyed and valued the friendship they had with your mom long after she moved away from Edgewater Drive. The picture posted is of your mom standing on our backyard deck on Edgewater with your old home in the background. Take care.

Helena Czuboka

May 22, 2025 at 8:58 AM

My dearest friend, thank you for being my friend and confidant for over twenty years...

will always remember and cherish our time together...

RIP, dearest Vicki.

Tonia H.

May 20, 2025 at 2:16 AM

What a interesting, rich life Vicki led. Very intelligent and wanting to get as much out of life as she could. Our last conversation was only a few days before she died. It was such a rich and energetic conversation, you wouldn't have even known that she was sick. She was thrilled to find out that Riverview is going into a cooperative agreement for a clinic in Ternopil, Ukraine. And what are the chances she would have met a doctor from Ternopil in the last week of her life. Was happy to get to know someone on the sloboda side of the family. Would love to hear from others. Was happy to hear of the family research she had done. May God have mercy on Vicki and grant her the best. Tonia and Aziza banffjasper2020@gmail.com

Her friends from TOPS

May 13, 2025 at 6:26 PM

We were deeply saddened to hear of Vicki’s passing. She was truly a kind-hearted person who touched so many lives with her warmth and compassion. Whether visiting friends in the hospital or lifting people up during their hardest moments, she had an incredible gift for making others feel valued and cared for.

Vicki’s presence in our lives was a blessing, and I know that her kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. As we remember her, we will always find comfort in the memories we shared and the love she so freely gave.

Please know that our thoughts are with everyone who loved Vicki during this difficult time. We wish you strength and peace.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Sharen Friesen

May 13, 2025 at 12:03 PM

From our family to yours,

We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of your dear mom! There is no one in this world like your mother as she was such a special person and she will always be with you. As a family we ​have so many fond memories shared with your family, they were the best of times!!

Wonderful women, sister-in-law, Aunt so thoughtful and kind we cannot tell you how much she will truly be missed."

Jack, Ida Bevan and Family

 

Iva Last

May 13, 2025 at 11:22 AM

Beautiful video tribute, thank you for that!! Although I only knew Vicki for the last 3+ years, I considered her a close friend. She was a support, an advisor, but mostly a caring friend. I will never forget her life and her kindness rest in peace Vicki

Dale Hall (Simpkin)

May 11, 2025 at 9:51 PM

Vicki was my grade 10 home room teacher. She is one of the few teachers that made an impact on my life. I met her a few times in later years. She was always very gracious and friendly.

Kim (Deeley) Usick

May 11, 2025 at 7:45 PM

I was fortunate to work with Vicki at the Adolescent Parent Centre. We remained friends even after we changed schools. We shared many special lunches over the years. Vicki loved to entertain and paid special attention to every detail. She was inspiring in so many ways. Every year she celebrated International Women's Day. She worked tirelessly to discover her heritage. She was always on a quest to learn something new. One of my favourite things she told me was if she had to choose between buying carrots or flowers, she would choose flowers every time. She loved nature and had stories of nature walks with her grandchildren. She handled her illness with grace and a positive attitude. You will be greatly missed dear friend.

Janice Hamm

May 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM

I got to know Vicki during her teaching career. She was always the ultimate professional who "dug deep" to get to know her students and colleagues on a profound level. She was concerned for the well-being of everyone she met and sought to have each person recognize their worth and value within the world. Vicki made an impression on everyone she met & contributed to making them a better person. Rest in peace Vicki. You will be remembered and missed by many.

Daisy Brunet

May 11, 2025 at 3:31 PM

If you were Vicki's friend you were the lucky recipient of sound advice, support, generosity, unconditional friendship and affection. I was fortunate enough to be Vicki's friend for over 50 years. I will miss our lengthy conversations, our lunches and our crafting afternoons.

 

Vicki's friendship was a gift and she will always have a special place in my heart.❤️

Meryle Berg

May 11, 2025 at 12:34 PM

Vicki was such a beautiful person. I enjoyed our time together at Tops. I have missed her since she was not able to be with us at meetings and special outings. May God bless you and keep you with him.

Alex & Anna Brunel

May 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM

Our condolences to the family. we always enjoyed our chats with Vicki at Brunel family gatherings.

Isabelle Brunel

May 10, 2025 at 6:41 PM

Vicki was a special person in my life and a wonderful sister-in-law. We shared many joyful times over 60 years as family and friends..She often talked about riding in car with Norm to our wedding in Moosomin. I will always love you and my hope is that you are now free of pain and resting in peace.

Janice Vansickle and John Martens

May 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM

We thank you Vicki for being a great friend. We will always remember how you lovingly supported your ageing uncle here in Victoria and our wonderful chats in recent weeks.

 

Bernadette McCann

May 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM

Thank you Vicki for being such a wonderful friend, compassionate and encouraging when challenges arose. You changed my life in a very significant way, and I will be forever grateful. You were always interested in hearing about presentations, talks, courses and learning something new. May you rest in peace with our Heavenly Father.

Chris Bartlett

May 10, 2025 at 7:44 AM

Mrs. Brunel, was my grade 10 teacher @ Sisler High School - She was so kind and caring. She made a lasting impression and I have never forgotten her. Sorry for her loss and she will be missed. Chris Senkiw/Bartlett

Betty Somers and Tanya Misseghers

May 9, 2025 at 8:19 PM

Rest in peace Auntie Vicki. Thank you for your friendship and support. A great lady who leaves a legacy of love and laughter.

 

Photo from Tanya's wedding, 2001.

Beverly Sloboda

May 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM

Dear Vicki, so Happy we had time together and few years ago!! Wise, warm and down to earth, Rest in Peace.You will be Missed. Love and Sympathy.

Joy Madden

May 9, 2025 at 5:16 PM

Special in every way....a true lady. You will be missed.

Love and Sympathy,

Cousin Joy♥️

 

Ella Schreiber

May 9, 2025 at 4:26 PM

Love you Grandma

Linda kowbel

May 9, 2025 at 3:20 PM

Rest in peace my dear Vicki.

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