Diana Thelma McBratney

Mom 

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Diana McBratney at 66 years of age (August 25,1955 to Sept 15, 2021). Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Patrick. Her 3 children Trish (Jamie), Heidi and Howard. Grandchildren Chance, Kanyon, Ozymandis, Jäger and Becks. Her sister Connie (Harold). Her loving little dogs Bella and Zoey. 

Diana was born and raised in Winnipeg and married Pat in 1973, where they moved to Flin Flon for a short time where daughter Patricia was born. Diana was a city girl at heart and they moved back to Winnipeg in 1976, where they lived until 1989. Diana gave birth to 2 more children Heidi in 1977 and Howard in 1978.  During her time in Winnipeg she spent her time volunteering at the kids school and fundraising for various causes. She was an avid sewer and knitter, making cute outfits for all the kids and their Barbies too. She hosted a live variety show in her backyard every summer, which was a huge hit in the neighbourhood, raising money for the St Amant Centre. As a young family they spent many years camping at Stonewall and Gimli before they bought the family homestead north of Minnedosa in the valley. She enjoyed years of weekend and holiday camping at the farm and in 1989 the family made the move from the city to be at the farm permanently. Diana worked at Erickson Elementary as a Speech and Language EA for 3 years. During these same years she also worked weekends at Chicken Terrys alongside all of her children. She grew to love the valley enjoying downhill skiing with her kids and had loads of fun curling and going to bonspiels. 

Diana had always wanted to be a Nurse and in 1992 she decided to go back to school and join her daughter Patricia at nursing school. In 1995, they were the first graduating mother and daughter team from the Brandon General Hospital School of Nursing. Diana nursed in Brandon and Erickson hospitals and did Home Care as well. 

Dianas family was very important to her. Her 5 grandsons were the apple of her eye. Her children and grandchildren will deeply miss her. Most people that knew Diana could recognize her laugh and loved her bubbly personality. She loved to tell jokes and make people laugh wherever she went. 

Diana’s love of flowers and gardening was like none other. 

She spent countless hours from spring to summer in her enormous flower bed. When Diana became aware of her diagnosis this May she began giving away the many perennials in her flower beds. Seeing her flowers go to the people she loved brought her great joy. Mom worked hard every summer getting ready for the Minnedosa Horticultural Society Flower Show and took home many prizes over the years for her creations.  She was a creative soul and enjoyed working with Communities in Bloom as well. If you noticed the flowers this year on Main Street, Mom was in charge of them this past summer. 

This story would be incomplete without acknowledging her very best friend, her sister Connie Wenger. 

Mom and Connie were inseparable and held a very special bond. They grew up in the North End of Winnipeg in a rough area, raised by their mother Jessie,  and spent lots of time with  their Gido and BaBa on the farm

in Belmont. Having strong Ukrainian roots, these two sisters watched out for each other fiercely. When Connie retired she moved to Minnedosa to be closer to mom. These 2 did everything together! Sportsman’s Park Campground will never be the same! Diana picked up a love for golf over the past 10 years. Her and Connie were regulars at the Senior Ladies Golf mornings in Minnedosa. 

Diana and Pat cared for many pets over the years. One being a robin that fell from a nest, Big Bird, who lived for many years. Only 1 cat Raisin, that lived for 17 years and the many dogs that graced their home. Zoey and Bella, are 2 little Chihuahuas that currently run the house and they miss mom very much. Mom knows that these 2 pups will take very good care of dad. 

Mom leaves a legacy of loving her family hard. She was fun, easily brightened a room, and will be missed for her creativity and kindness. We love you mom and know you are out there making things better wherever you go. She will be greatly missed by those that knew her and remembered for her laugh which brings a smile to so many people. 

Donations can be made to the Minnedosa Horticultural Society or Communities in Bloom. ï¿½ï¿½ï�ïï

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