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Diana Richardson

Image by Nick Andréka

DIANA ANNE RICHARDSON

January 14, 1932 - August 13, 2024

On August 13, at the age of 92, our Mum Diana Anne Richardson passed away. She is survived by her four children, Cheryl (Bill), John (Denise), Dawn (Dan), and James (Robyn); 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, in whom she took great joy.


Diana was born in Winnipeg, and grew up in Elmwood on Martin Avenue with her parents, George and Evelyn Crabtree and brother George Henry. After completing school, where she was well known for her shyness, she worked at Royal Bank.


When Cheryl was born, Mum took great pride in becoming a new mother. She loved to hang diapers on the clothesline so everyone in the neighbourhood knew she was a mother. She was put to the test by the arrival of unexpected twins, John and Dawn, 17 months later. The arrival of James three years later completed the family.  


She became a single mother in 1969. When she asked her parents for advice, her mother’s answer was simple: “Dry your tears and get a comfortable pair of shoes, because now you’re a working girl.” And work she did. For 27 years, she made brides look spectacular as the owner of Diane’s Wedding Gowns in the North End, a business her mother had started. She later added two more bridal stores, Bridals by Judith and Michelle Jordan’s. She was committed to providing excellent customer service, even going as far as having a gown delivered by snowmobile during the November 1986 snowstorm, because the show must go on.


In spite of the demands of her work, she was a dedicated and attentive mother. She took her four children on many summer vacations, mostly to Canadian destinations from coast to coast.  On Mondays, housekeeper Katie would help to keep things in order, making legendary lunches (all the kids’ friends hoped for an invitation).


When the children were young, many summer weekends were spent at Betula Lake in the trailer at the end of the beach. The Harpers, who owned the resort and ran the general store, became long time family friends. Then in 1974, Mum purchased an empty lot at Lake of the Woods. She loved the lake and took joy in knowing this would become a place for the family to get together. It started out with tenting, and eventually evolved into a family cottage built by John and James, with “help” from Uncle Stan.


After her retirement in 1995, she chose to close the doors at Diane’s and moved to the farm near St. Adolphe with John and family. She was in her glory with the horses, lambs, and her beloved chickens. She loved to ride horses. At the age of 70, alongside her daughter Dawn, she competed in (and completed!) a fifty mile endurance ride on her Missouri Fox Trotter, Charlie.


After moving back to Winnipeg in 2012, she lived independently in her own home until January of 2024. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. She tended her gardens, fed the birds, and was an avid composter and recycler. She was often seen on her scooter (aptly named Scoot), visiting and doing errands.  


In January 2024, she moved to Sturgeon Creek 1 Retirement Residence and was quick to make an impression. One of her favourite activities of late was “helping” her son James babysit great-grandson Miles on Thursdays.


Mum loved to read and never stopped learning. She loved everything about life and had an incredible zest for living. She was quick to say yes to any new experience. She had a passion for travel and was willing to go anywhere with anyone, anytime. She also loved the arts, regularly attending the opera and ballet with Cheryl. She was a skilled stained glass artist who generously shared her creations. She had several treasured, lifelong friends about whom she cared deeply: Joan, Judy, Myrtle, Ollie, Young Sook, and Uncle Stan.


One of Mum’s goals was to avoid living in a long term care facility. Goal accomplished. She passed away peacefully on a sunny afternoon at Riverview Health Centre, surrounded by love, after a brief illness.


A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on September 18, 2024 at Breezy Bend Country Club, 7620 Roblin Boulevard.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.


Diana’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

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Joan Firth

September 9, 2024 at 2:01 PM

Diana with her cousins Ken, Bryan and my mum Betty

Joan Firth

September 9, 2024 at 1:45 PM

On behalf of Diana's English Crabtree/Pocock family, we send our love and condolences to Cheryl, John, Dawn, James and their families. Each time we rang Diana she was proud to tell us of another great grandchild who had arrived. Diana came over to visit us several times, which was always a pleasure as she was so warm and interested in all the family. She was particularly kind to my mother Betty, and came over to see her when my Dad Kenneth [Diana's first cousin] died suddenly at the age of 76 in 1997. Dad's brother Bryan came up from Wales to Preston, Lancashire to see her. We have lovely photos of the three cousins and my mum. Diana had a close resemblance to our grandmother Sarah Jane [sister of Diana's father]. Diana was interested to learn of my family history research into the Crabtree family. My parents visited Diana ane family in 1986 and the trip was a highlight of their retirement. She was so kind and organised trips and meetings of her family members. My husband Malcolm and I visited her in 2017, a year after my brother Barry and his wife Christina. Although she was in her mid 80's, we were amazed at her enthusiasm for life, her physical fitness and her skills in stained glass work. Diana will be a huge loss to her family and friends. We are thinking of you.

 

 

Thelma Guenther

September 4, 2024 at 2:15 AM

condolenecs to the Richarson family..I have fond memories of your mother,,we were neighbors on Riverton(1962-3) for a while,before moving back to Steinbach..Sorry for you loss.

Thelma Guenther

Ian and Alison Cummins

August 30, 2024 at 6:42 PM

It was our pleasure to know your Mum for some 40 odd years. An outstanding human in very way. Deeply knowledgeable with an intense intellectual curiosity. Friendly to all but as tough as nails when she needed to be. Hard working and even harder playing. We'll never forget her smile and we'll think of her and smile ourselves whenever we find occasion to use one of her wonderful old sayings.

Our love and sympathy to all the family.

 

Debbie Shook

August 28, 2024 at 10:55 PM

. I lived on Ferry road and was james age. Everyone always wanted to go to their home to see the round room And there was always kids around It was a busy neighborhood I remember going to Diane's bridal on main st. She was a big help and went out of her way. So sorry to hear she has passed she was a Lovely lady.

Susan Andrayko Majcher

August 26, 2024 at 10:13 PM

I met Cheryl in grade 7. There were lots of teenage antics and loads of fun. I remember Cheryl's mom as a Very strong mom and business woman. I remember her commenting after her own father died that she was not going to topple over. She fiercely loved her dad. But knew she could and had to be strong. This was an incredible message to receive as a teenager. Beautiful lady. Beautiful family. A wonderful legacy,

Debra Johnston

August 26, 2024 at 2:03 AM

I am so sorry for the passing of your Mom. She was full of life. And she was a total gem to my mother Ollie Wright. You were a true friend.

 

Debra Johnston (Wright)

Caryl Cockshott

August 25, 2024 at 2:40 AM

Deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Diana. My fondest memories were of attending sleepovers at the invitation of daughter Cheryl and keeping poor "Mrs. Richardson" awake until the wee hours as we girls belted out favourite songs ("Eleanor", or " House of the Rising Sun"). No sleep for her those nights! She was always such a great sport and loving mom! She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. May your many cherished memories provide solace in the days and weeks ahead.

 

Sincerely,

Caryl (UnRuh) Cockshott

Bob March

August 24, 2024 at 6:46 PM

Hi all. Just saw today that your Mom and Grandma "Diane" has passed away. Sincere condolences. As you mention, we knew that she wanted to not live in a long-term care facility and are very pleased to learn that she realized that hope.

 

She was the most upbeat person in the world and one always felt good after speaking with her. We remember the great times we had with her and you all at those wonderful Christmas get-togethers! Again, condolences and see you Sept 18.

 

Love from Bob, Linda and family

Alison Campbell and Alan Scramstad

August 24, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Diana was a true force and wonderful family matriarch. I know her family will miss her joy in life, her love for all her grandchildren and her adventurous spirit. Our thoughts are with all the family.

Beverley Richardson

August 23, 2024 at 5:44 PM

Diana's life story is a testament to her zip and wonderfully upbeat, positive character. I remember her spirit and generosity when her daughter Dawn and my sister (Dawn's dear friend) Barb, and I were loaned beautiful full length ball gowns, over the elbow evening gloves and tiaras from the bridal shop so that we could appear in formal costume on our skis on the ski hill in Banff one winter after Dawn and Barb were working at Sunshine. Diana later helped me choose the perfect wedding ensemble when I married. Her eyes always sparkled and her force of character left me always feeling better for having been in her presence. My condolences to Cheryl, Bill, Dawn, Dan, John and James, and your families.

Beverley Richardson

August 23, 2024 at 5:44 PM

Diana's life story is a testament to her zip and wonderfully upbeat, positive character. I remember her spirit and generosity when her daughter Dawn and my sister (Dawn's dear friend) Barb, and I were loaned beautiful full length ball gowns, over the elbow evening gloves and tiaras from the bridal shop so that we could appear in formal costume on our skis on the ski hill in Banff one winter after Dawn and Barb were working at Sunshine. Diana later helped me choose the perfect wedding ensemble when I married. Her eyes always sparkled and her force of character left me always feeling better for having been in her presence. My condolences to Cheryl, Bill, Dawn, Dan, John and James, and your families.

Pam Hall - Jordan's Mother-in-law

August 23, 2024 at 3:43 AM

We met Diana when she visited Australia with Dawn and Dan probably 10 years ago. What a wonderful person with such a zest for life. She became a regular email correspondent with Ros, my mother. I'm sure you will all miss her very much. Thinking of you and sending our sincere condolences. Love to all Pam.

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