Tricia Dandenault
PATRICIA “TRICIA” ANNE DANDENAULT
(Née VAN DER GRAAF)
September 25, 1962 – October 10, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tricia Dandenault, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at St. Boniface Hospital, with family by her side.
Tricia was 62 years old, born in Winnipeg on September 25, 1962. She is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, Bob, and their beloved daughters, Kelsey (Michael) and Natalie. She is also mourned by her sister Lauren (Joe) and predeceased by her parents, Betsy and Fred Van der Graaf.
Tricia was raised in Winnipeg, the eldest of two daughters, spending her childhood in Transcona and East Kildonan. She enjoyed a vibrant social life filled with family gatherings, laughter, and love. A natural performer, Tricia appreciated music and played piano, passions she lovingly passed on to her daughters. Her family created cherished memories during many trips to the cottage at Dauphin Lake, visiting her maternal grandparents, and later at Lake of the Woods with her own children.
After graduating from Miles MacDonnell Collegiate, Tricia held various temporary positions before joining Agriculture Canada with the Federal Government. In 1982, she met Bob, and their love blossomed, culminating in their marriage in 1988. Her greatest joy came from being a mother, proudly supporting Kelsey and Natalie through every achievement and challenge.
Tricia was fiercely supportive and protective of her family, standing by her parents during their battles with cancer, even as she faced her own diagnosis. Known for her deep empathy, generosity, and strength, she was a source of comfort to those around her.
Her friendships were a testament to her kindness and inclusivity. Tricia was the life of the party, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and had a good time. She was a master gardener, with stunning flower gardens that became the envy of the neighborhood. Her love for music was evident in her singing and dancing, filling her home with joy.
An avid traveler, Tricia explored breathtaking locations, from African safaris to the pyramids of Egypt, and enjoyed many memorable winter holidays in Mexico. She treasured camping trips and seasonal stays in Sandy Hook and Onanole with family and friends. Tricia enjoyed long walks with her best friend and canine companion, Jeannie, as well as bike riding, and exercising at the Reh-Fit Centre, which she continued to do until her health began to decline. Tricia also dedicated her time to volunteering, including at her daughters’ schools, assisting with their music and theatre programs, and later at the Oak Table providing meals to vulnerable community members.
Despite the health challenges she faced in her final months, Tricia remained incredibly brave and positive, focusing on the joy of family celebrations and the future plans she shared with Bob. Her strength and spirit inspired everyone who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tricia’s memory may be made to the Reh-Fit Centre or CancerCare - Victoria Hospital.
A Celebration of Tricia's Life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 603 Wellington Crescent (Unitarian Church). For those unable to attend the service, a video recording of the program will be posted here, on this page, shortly after the service.
Tricia’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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23 Comments
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Lorne and Barb Gordon
November 22, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Our thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.
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Teri & Gregg Ziprick
November 9, 2024 at 2:19 PM
We were so saddened to hear of Tricia's passing. She brought so much fun and light wherever she went! Her smile was infectious. Thinking of you all at this heartbreaking time. May the memories of her, hold you in warmth and fill your hearts with the peace, love and laughter she brought to all who knew her. ❤️ Our deepest sympathy to you all.
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Arlene & Jeff Morrison
November 1, 2024 at 8:42 PM
Our deepest condolences. Bob we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
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Barbara Elliot
October 30, 2024 at 3:47 PM
Such a beautiful video tribute to an amazing lady and although much to short ...... a life well lived. Bob, my thoughts are with you and your girls at this so difficult time.
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Diane Sloboda (cousin)
October 30, 2024 at 1:38 PM
Bob, Tricia was gorgeous and I'm sure she will be missed tremendously by your family and many others.
My Condolences to you and your girls Bob. 🙏
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Laurie Chilelli
October 27, 2024 at 6:55 PM
As I have been going through pictures, I thought I would share a few pictures of me and my sister and our amazing mother, from when we spent many summers, holidays, long weekends in Dauphin, Manitoba at our family cottage and grandparents home.love Lauren
Love Laurie,Joe, Caitlin, Alessandro and Antonio
October 27, 2024 at 6:35 PM
Christmas was always a big deal with our family. Here is a first picture with our then boyfriends.,now husbands. Tricia loved decorating for Christmas and being with family. Many amazing childhood and teen and adult years.
Lise & Kevin
October 27, 2024 at 2:15 PM
Dear Kelsey and Mike, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. We are sending you and your family big hugs .
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Roland Schott
October 26, 2024 at 11:49 AM
Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family
Roland (Red River)
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Brian, Paula and the girls.
October 24, 2024 at 2:12 PM
An absolutely amazing personality and we were fortunate that our paths crossed. Great video, so many awesome memories for you. She will be greatly missed by many.
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Deanne McDonald
October 21, 2024 at 4:39 PM
I was so sorry to see Tricia's obituary in Saturday's Free Press. I met her when we were both volunteering at Oak Table a few years back. What an absolutely lovely lady, inside and out. I felt privileged having her as a Facebook friend after our Oak Table days as it gave me the opportunity to keep up with her life & experiences -- and occasionally we would communicate directly. I am not surprised to hear that Tricia was brave and positive throughout her illness. She was that kind of a girl! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tricia's family and close friends.
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Jen
October 21, 2024 at 2:39 PM
My deepest condolences on the loss of dear Tricia.
The video tribute is just lovely and Tricia is so photogenic.
She had a good life but was taken too soon.
With love and hugs, Jen (long time friend of the family)
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Maureen Fitzsimons
October 20, 2024 at 8:43 AM
My sincere condolences to Trish's family and friends. I worked with Trish at AAFC many years ago. She was an incredible support to me during my own grieving process even though our friendship was in the infancy stage. I have never forgotten that nor have I forgotten her infectious laugh, her kindness and her amazing hugs.
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Sharon Donaldson
October 19, 2024 at 10:32 PM
Enough said you know how I feel and I love you Bob, Kelsey and Natalie for looking after my dear cousin!!
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Petrelli Family
October 19, 2024 at 8:19 PM
Our deepest condolence.
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Debbie and Gary Carlson
October 19, 2024 at 6:28 PM
- So sorry for your loss Bob and family. We only met Trish a hand full of times when we were with Don and Denise but she always made our visits a little livelier. She was a lovely lady and will be dearly missed.
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Kim & Ed Richtscheid
October 19, 2024 at 6:20 PM
We are just heartbroken to hear of Tricia's passing. She was larger than life and the most fun to be around! We have so many wonderful memories of time spent with the Dandenaults. From the first day I met her at NISA, so many years ago, I knew she would have a huge impact on my life. I loved her dearly. Our deepest condolences to you all. May you rest in peace Trix 🧡
Bill vanderGraaf
October 19, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Bob your video tribute was beautiful....like Tricia. I cried and was saddened by your loss at such a young age. Tricia was always fun and upbeat, yet she was feisty enough to put me into my "place" and make me laugh. I am so sorry and condolences to you Bob, her sister Lauren, and her children Kelsey and Natalie
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Jordana and Stacy Servatius
October 19, 2024 at 3:04 PM
So sorry for your loss Bob and family. Tricia was an amazing, beautifu, classy lady inside and out. We were lucky enough to have spent 2 months with her and Bob in PV. Those 2 months left us with so many great memories of her and Bob. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.❤️❤️❤️
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Wayne Wittmeier
October 19, 2024 at 10:13 AM
Bob so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family all the best during these challenging times.
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Judith Harris
October 19, 2024 at 9:44 AM
My condolences Bob, Kelsey and Natalie at the loss of Tricia, a beautiful Wife and Mom. Memories of Winnipeg and the Dandenault Family in earlier days are treasured.
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Susan Willemsen
October 19, 2024 at 9:33 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss Bob. My thoughts are with you and your family. She will be sadly missed
Susan Willemsen & family
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Michael Vendramelli
October 19, 2024 at 9:16 AM
Sincere condolences.
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