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Obituary of JUNE MARIE DESMARAIS
In Loving Memory of June Marie Desmarais
With love, we announce the passing of June Desmarais on December 7th, after many years of illness faced with extraordinary courage. Though Rheumatoid Arthritis challenged her, it never defined her. June was determination and grit wrapped in kindness, humour, and hope. She always chose to find light in even the hardest moments.
Born in Winnipeg to Elvira and Jean Desmarais, both of whom predeceased her, June grew up in the Elmwood area with a gentle and loving spirit that carried her throughout her life. She was a devoted sister to Joe (Leila), Dave (Kathy), Toby (Mary), and John (Fran), and is predeceased by her brothers Dave and Joe and her sister-in-law Leila. She was also a caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Her proudest role in life was being a mother and grandmother. She poured her heart into raising her three children, Paul, Monique (Norman) and Marc (Shannon), guiding them with the same resilience and love that she used to navigate her own battles. She was a devoted grandmother to George and Henry, who were her joy and her reason to keep pushing forward. She is reunited now with her grandson Samuel, who predeceased her.
She treasured the deep bonds she built with her closest friends, Viviane and Doreen, whose love, laughter, and daily conversations were a lifeline. She loved them so much. She also gained great wisdom, comfort, and inspiration from Rev. Tim Peterson and the teachings of the Centre for Spiritual Living, which enhanced her life in countless ways.
June wanted those she loved to know one thing clearly: she did her best. Her pain tolerance was done, and she was ready for peace. She hoped to be remembered not for the disabilities she endured, but for the qualities that made her who she was. She believed her life had purpose. She made contributions, she loved deeply, and she faced her challenges with dignity. She looked forward to “the other side” with acceptance and even joy, asking that she be remembered with smiles and laughter, not sadness.
June had an incredible work ethic and worked hard her whole life, first at Canada Packers and later in the family business. She always took pride in doing things well.
The lake was her happy place. From summers spent at Falcon Lake to visits at Lake of the Woods, she loved the simple moments: doing puzzles, rock collecting, crib games with her grandkids, and sitting on the deck watching sunsets.
In her retirement years, June discovered a new passion: bridge. She became an avid, and by all accounts, an excellent player who formed many friendships around the card table. Many of her bridge friends will remember her laughter and smile.
June had many gifts. She was an exceptional baker and cook. Her apple pie and ginger cookies were legendary. She was also an excellent gardener, with a special love for orchids. Her St. Vital backyard was her sanctuary, transformed over the years into a peaceful, flower-filled oasis. She loved blues music, good conversation, a good laugh, and the warmth of her friends.
Her independence was one of her defining qualities. Even through pain, she insisted on doing things herself, managing her own life, and living on her own terms. She asked that we remember her as she lived: strong-willed, resilient, and joyful.
June wrote these words herself:
“Dying can be a joyful experience. Remember me with smiles and laughter, for if you only think of me with sadness, I would choose not to be remembered at all.” And true to her sense of humour, she signed off with: “See you later, Alligator.”
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that she is finally free from pain. We will remember the lessons she taught us, the resilience she showed us, and the love she gave so freely.
All are welcome to join us for a service to honour her life on Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider performing an act of kindness in her name or donating to the Arthritis Society.
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