DIANNA MAE TARKO

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dianna Mae Tarko on July 15, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Dianna is survived by her daughter Tracey; grandchildren Ashley (Luc) and Sean; brother Richard (Dorothy) Demkey; sister-in-law Janet Demkey; as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was predeceased by her mother Justina Smillie (1989); father Gustave Demkey (1948); stepfather James Smillie (1968); sisters Ruth, Helen, Mildred, and Lydia; and brothers Gordon and Gary.

Dianna was born on a farm west of Winkler, Manitoba, and moved to Gladstone, Manitoba, in 1946. She attended school in Ellwood, Manitoba, in a one-room school and high school in Austin, Manitoba. She moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, on her own at age 18. Dianna welcomed her only child, Tracey, in 1969, and was thrilled to welcome her grandchildren Ashley and Sean in 1998 and 2000. She held various positions with the federal government from 1972 to 2005. A strong, independent woman, she was upbeat, positive, always smiling, and never complained, even through her difficult cancer journey.

Mom moved to Cathedral Manor, an assisted living home in St. Boniface, in 2023 after her cancer diagnosis. She loved her time there and made many friends. Our family would like to thank the staff at Cathedral Manor for their support and care. Our family would also like to say a special thank you to our treasured friend Gisele Gauthier, who was with my mom every step of the way during her cancer treatment and, on good days, took her out to lunch with friends where good laughs were had by all. Mom was always happiest spending time with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 603 Wellington Crescent (First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dianna's memory to CancerCare Manitoba.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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