Obituary of Jocelyn Dubienski

Jocelyn Adele Dubienski (nee Saul) Surrounded by family, Jocelyn Dubienski, aged 89 years, passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital on Sunday April 10, 2011. Jocelyn was born March 1, 1922 in Winnipeg, MB where she lived virtually her entire life. By age 18 Jocelyn's life was forever altered by the early death of her father as well as the loss of 5 members of her family in a tragic accident. She faced these events with grace and perseverance, as she did with all things throughout her life. Jocelyn attended Kelvin High School and University of Manitoba graduating with a BA and distinguishing herself as President of the U.M.S.U. Women's Association. After university Jocelyn pursued a brief career in journalism as a feature writer for the Winnipeg Free Press. Committed to making a contribution to Canada's war effort she then moved to Montreal where she was employed as a civilian code writer, War Department, Ferry Command. Following the war she worked as a social worker with the Family Bureau providing services for returning service men. Jocelyn married in 1947 and went onto lead a rich and varied life as wife, mother of 6 children and dedicated community volunteer. In 1964 she reentered the workforce and began a lifelong commitment to the field of human services as a rehabilitation counselor for the Province of Manitoba, Department of Health and Welfare, Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Thus began a 24 year career dedicated to the development of services and supports for persons with disabilities first as a case worker, then supervisor and later serving as Director of the program. Initially she focused on the mentally handicapped but broadened her concern to include physically handicapped, post mentally ill, deaf, blind, and the learning disabled. Jocelyn pioneered the development and implementation of many innovative programs in her field. These programs included a major expansion of workplace training, improvement and expansion of community based residential living resources, and bringing to reality the opportunity for many of the disabled to participate in the Province's public school system, colleges and universities. Paralleling her professional career Jocelyn continued her many volunteer commitments some of which included Citizen's Advocacy, Stradbrook Optimist House, United Way of Winnipeg, and the Junior League. Throughout her career Jocelyn maintained an unfaltering determination and commitment to the belief that all people deserved to participate in society to their fullest potential. Her dedication to inclusion carried over to her personal life where she opened her home to all. She had a special kind of warmth that emanated from her, a kind of magic when you know you are truly being listened to and validated. Jocelyn mentored and championed women throughout her life. She was recognized for this and her professional achievements when named as a recipient of a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 1988. Despite a demanding professional life, family and friends were Jocelyn's foremost concern and she selflessly devoted herself to maintaining and nurturing these bonds. Jocelyn is survived by her children, Ian (Melinda), Jennifer (Gary), Peter, Philip (Shirley), Michael (Lynne) and Mimi (Don). She will be dearly missed by her 13 grandchildren whom she adored: Melissa, Kailey, Courtney, Stephen, Katherine, Jessica, Emily, Darren, Kevin, Amy, Stephanie, Robert, Patrick, and great grandson Noah. She leaves to mourn, her nephews John (Adrienne) and Alastair (Lavender) Ralston Saul, sister-in-law Beryl Ralston Saul as well as many cousins to whom she remained close throughout her life. Jocelyn was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn (Herbert) and Merle Saul, her brothers Robert and Col. William Saul, nephew Anthony Saul, father of her children, Judge Ian V. Dubienski, and grandson Daniel Dubienski. Jocelyn will also be missed by special friends Bonnie and Joey. The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to Frieda, Jeannie, Merle, Rebecca, Erna, Edna and Phoebe for their kindness and devoted care of Jocelyn over these last 2 years. Funeral Service will be held Thursday May 12, 2011 at 2:00 pm, St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St., Crescentwood, reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stradbrook Residential Services, 174 B Scott St. Wpg. R3L 0L3.