DEANNA BENJAMIN

(nee Ladobruk)

October 18, 1946 – August 18, 2025

Deanna passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 18, 2025. 

She was predeceased by her husband Richard (Kim) of 53 years in 2023 and her granddaughter Kaira in 2021.  She is survived by her two daughters Christine (Shaun) and Kimberly; her grandchildren Cole, Luyanda (Josey), Mareanna and Khanya; her great-grandchildren Mason and Celeigha; her brothers Paul, Kenny, Allan, Tom and sisters Shirley, Brenda and Loretta (her sister and best friend).

Deanna was born on October 18, 1946, and raised in Steinbach, MB.  As a young adult, she moved to Calgary, AB where she met her husband, Kim.  The two were married in 1970 and soon after relocated to Transcona where they began their life together and raised their two girls. 

Deanna was a cherished and well-respected member of the Transcona community.  She worked at Robert’s Drug Store until it closed and then spent over 20 years as a server at the Royal George Hotel.  Known for her straightforward nature, Deanna never hesitated to let her customers know when it was “time to go home!”.

Mom made our childhood special with yearly trips to Grand Forks, camping adventures in Stonewall and weekend visits with family.  She never asked for much – just to see her children and grandchildren smiling and doing well.  She truly lived to bring happiness to those around her, always willing to do whatever it took to make sure everyone had what they needed.  She showed up for every milestone, filled every need, and never missed a football game – always cheering louder than anyone else.  As we got older, she was a great friend and we had many laughs together sitting outside during a “Cesar Sunday”.  She always had our back, and we knew that if we ever needed her, she was there for us.

Deanna was a devoted football fan who cheered for both the Stampeders and the Bombers – but more than anything, she loved watching her grandchildren play.  She was their biggest fan, always front and center, showing up with so much pride.  She was the greatest Baba and she loved us so well.  Some of our best childhood memories are of weekends spent at her and Gigi’s house.  We’d pick lilacs together; play on the front lawn and help her with the tomatoes she grew every year. Baba always made sure we were fed…fed…and then fed some more – always making sure we left room for a bowl of heavenly hash ice cream before bed.  She loved us with unwavering patience, endless support and a heart full of love.

Some of Deanna’s most cherished moments were spent at the cabin with her sister Loretta.  She found peace in the stillness of a quiet lake, the beauty of a sunrise, the simple joy of fishing and a loud banging of a thunderstorm. She also loved going for drives taking in the scenery and enjoying the small quiet pleasures life had to offer.

The family also regrets to inform Coors Brewing Company for the upcoming dip in sales.

Legacy Of Love

A wife, a mother, a baba too,

This is the legacy we have from you.

You taught us love and how to fight

You gave us strength; you gave us might.

A stronger person would be hard to find,

And in your heart you were always kind.

You fought for us all in one way or another

Not just as a wife not just as a mother.

For all of us you gave your best

And now the time has come for you to rest.

So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep,

Your love in our hearts we’ll eternally keep.

-Anon

The Celebration of Life for Deanna will take place on Saturday September 13, 2025, at Friedensfeld Community Center Clubhouse, 32004 Road 35E (3 miles south of Steinbach MB and 1 mile east on road 303) from 1:00 – 5:00.  A slideshow will be held at 2:00 in remembrance of Deanna.