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Diane Hemphill

Image by Nick Andréka

LYLA “DIANE” HEMPHILL

(née Shingleton)

August 30, 1960 – May 24, 2024

Diane was born late in the summer of 1960 as the middle child to parents, Lyla and William “Bill.” She grew up with her siblings Laura and Gary in the Crestview area on Vimy Road. That’s where she met her lifelong friends Kim Dandewich and Donna Unruh (Janovick) who both remained so near and dear to her as the decades went on. As a young girl Diane enjoyed highland dancing and participated in Brownies and various school sports.


At age 17, during high school at John Taylor Collegiate she met Jim. And so began a lifelong partnership with marriage in 1986. A home on Hart Avenue and two children followed. Candice in 1987 and Zachary in 1989. Their lives became her life as she became a devoted wife and mother. It was in that period that Snarf (The Wonder Dog) joined the family. He became Diane’s constant companion. The next 20 years flew by and were spent raising the kids, summers at Red Rock Lake, family gatherings and vacations, road trips west and driving to and from soccer, basketball, swimming and other assorted activities. She also enjoyed evenings out with dear friends and maintaining a beautiful flower garden. During this time she also became a loving Aunt, and she loved all her many nieces and nephews.


Through all their time together, Jim could not have asked for a more loving wife, and the kids could not have asked for a better mother. Diane’s working career began at a restaurant named Ponderosa in St. James, continued at Great West Life and Red River Community College. Once her children were school age, she began volunteering at the local elementary school, Glenelm. Shortly thereafter she became everyone’s favourite teacher assistant and worked there for many years. Diane was best known for her loving, kind and nurturing nature which was clear in how she raised her own children, and how she interacted with her students.


When her kids became adults, Diane was never more proud than when they both graduated from post secondary education. Candice graduated from the University of Winnipeg with two degrees, and started her career as a teacher in River East Transcona School Division. Zachary graduated with honors at Red River College as a Red Seal Diesel Mechanic, and started his career at Portage Transport.


Diane loved the sun and heat, and hated Winnipeg Winters. She would often be found soaking up the warmth of the sun on her patio at home, and relaxing poolside if away. Diane and Jim loved traveling together. They headed south for many winters. First to North Miami Beach, then to Maui, Hawaii where the Naaykens (Dave and Deb) renewed their wedding vows, and finally to Fort Myers Beach on the Gulf side. Evenings would find them sipping on Corona’s toasting their wonderful life together. Another highlight was venturing to the Maritimes twice, one of those times with the Henderson’s (Jim and Bev). All of these trips were unforgettable experiences.


In the last phase of Diane’s life, Candice married Kevin and Zachary married Kate. Parks, Flora, Kashius and Arlo followed and became her beloved grandkids. She loved being with them, doting on and playing with them, watching them learn and grow. She became their loudest cheerleader, as evident in any activity where she went to support them. She became their Nana, and they loved their Nana.


Diane had Type 1 Diabetes for almost all of her life. She dealt with the challenges it posed with class and dignity, with a steadfast resolve to never allow it to shape her life. She never complained, never waivered, never said “Why me?”. She had a remarkable life and her family and friends were graced to be on the journey with her.


The family would like to thank her medical team Dr. Irena Darczewski (GP), Dr. Bruce Roe (Endocrinologist) and Dr. Justin Walters (Nephrologist). Thank you also to the St. Boniface Hospital, the ER Doctors, and ER nurses Erin and Christie. A special thank you as well to the whole team of professionals in the Acute Cardiac Care Unit (ACCU), Dr. Kass, Dr. Le and Nurses Ivy, Shannon, Ilynea and Sara. You gave us five extra days with Diane, and those days meant the world to us. Thank you… thank you… thank you.


Diane passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 24th, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada.


A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at The First Unitarian Universalist Church (603 Wellington Crescent) from 1-3pm.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Carol Hemphill

June 26, 2024 at 8:50 PM

I gained a wonderful sister when Jim brought Diane into our family all those years ago. I treasure the many, many memories of our annual family get togethers hosted by Jim and Di in Winnipeg or at Red Rock. More recently, Di and I spent time sharing our guilty pleasure of watching Big Brother. Miss you Di. Love Carol

Glenda MacDonald -nee Bergner

June 10, 2024 at 3:23 PM

I am so sad to hear of Diane's passing. The last time i saw Diane and Jim was at mom my mom's 100th birthday party in 2016. i grew up with the Shingleton family - what wonderful childhood memeoies i have playing hide and seek and Christmas parties!!!!!

Diane was such alovely girl a;ways - so caring and loving. i am happy to see that she has 4 grandchildren - she would be the best nana just like her nana was!!!!

Sending love and hugs to Jim Candice and Zachary and their families,

Love Glenda MacDonald and the Bergner family

Caitlin Fredericks

June 8, 2024 at 9:34 AM

🤍 Can't believe this was 3 years ago! So many fond summer memories with the Hemphill's in Winnipeg and Red Rock. Auntie Diane and her kindness will always have a place in my heart; she will be missed.

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