Carolyn Leigh Royal

Connie Royal (Nee Boyce) passed away peacefully with her family around her on Thursday July 23rd, 2026, at the age of 77 years. Connie will be lovingly remembered by her children Andrew (Sherry) Royal, Jon (Rachael) Royal, Karyn (Jesse) Polet, and grandchildren Liam, Jack and Jace along with her sisters Marilyn and Brenda and brother Trevor. Connie was predeceased by her father Irvin, and mother Elva of Regina Saskatchewan.

Connie was born and raised in Regina Saskatchewan and grew up with her sisters Brenda and Marilyn spending summers in Fleming, Virden and Elkhorn. In 1968 her brother Trevor was born and Connie loved him dearly. Connie was far from a model student and the teachers marveled that her sister was Brenda (who was an angel in school).

Connie graduated from the Commercial Arts Program at Balfour College in 1968 and began working at SaskTel with her lifelong friend Sharon Martinenko (Mohr). In 1971 Connie moved to Winnipeg and began working for Fisheries Canada as a graphic designer. In 1973 she married Mark Royal and the two of them spent time travelling and camping throughout Canada. In 1976 they welcomed their first child Andrew, followed by their son Jon in 1979 and daughter Karyn in 1982. Connie and Mark bought their second house in St. Vital and she became the CEO of Household Operations. Connie and Mark were extensively involved in the community, particularly with Greendell Community Centre. Connie took on numerous roles such as Woman’s Auxiliary President, and Canteen Supervisor, and helped to organize the children’s Christmas shopping spree, and the spring and winter carnivals. No matter what activity her kids were enrolled in, from hockey and baseball to Lacrosse and Orienteering, she was always their number one fan and supporter and would be there to cheer them on.

In 1986 Connie and her friend Irene Henderson founded the Manitoba Doll club, and that year also saw the first annual Winnipeg Doll Show and Sale put on by herself and Irene. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Manitoba Doll Club. Connie put so much time and effort into ensuring the Doll Club would be there for people that shared her love of dolls and collectibles. Her children and grandchildren are extremely proud of the legacy that is the Manitoba Doll Club.

As her children grew up and moved away from home Connie remained very active in the community and began to travel and golf with her new partner Robert Hudson. She started work with Stats Canada as a phone surveyor for the census but jumped at the opportunity when she was in her 60’s to travel up north to Iquluit in the Territory of Nunavut to conduct door to door census surveys for 2 months.

Connie was a very proud, independent woman who never backed down from a challenge nor shied away from taking on new opportunities, and although her health waned she still lived on her own in her apartment up until June of this year and still partook in trips to South Beach casino, and coffee dates with her friends.

A Celebration of Life come-and-go will be held on August 15th at the Dakota Lawn Bowling club – 1212 Dakota St. from 1– 4 PM. Interment will be held for family in Elkhorn Manitoba at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the team at the Geriatric Rehabilitation Program at HSC for their professionalism, empathy, and support that they provided to Connie and her family. Additional thank you to the staff and doctors in GA3 step down ward at HSC for ensuring Connie’s comfort and care while she was in their ward.

Connies’ lifelong love of animals was well known. The love and companionship that she shared with her cat Snickers helped to comfort her until her passing. As such her family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Humane Society of Winnipeg.