It is with heartfelt sadness, we announce that Deanna Gay Griffen (nee: Joistdahl) passed away peacefully after a year and a half long journey against Breast Cancer. She is predeceased by her parents Myrtle (Parasiuk) and Arthur Joistdahl, her husband Richard Griffen, and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughters Darian (Chris) Stroud, Cathy (Chris Carberry) Griffen, grandchildren: Nicholas, Kole, Mia and Maia and her brother Orin (Sue) Joistdahl in England. She is also survived by her special nieces Jane (Simon) McDermott and Ann(Alex) Blaikley and their children: Emma, Sam, William, and Oliver, along with countless dear friends.
Deanna was born in the small town of Dauphin, MB on May 28, 1941 to loving parents. As a child, she enjoyed being a big sister, school, swimming, ballet and made many special life-long friends. She attended the University of Winnipeg where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then moved to Swan River where she taught High School English for 2 years. After her short teaching career, she used her kind and caring skills to become a Social Worker for the next 25 years. She worked in Swan River where she met her husband of 42 years, Richard. Together they lived in Brandon, in her favourite house on Buttercup Bay. Their jobs as social workers eventually led them to Winnipeg where they spent the rest of their lives. Deanna worked part-time with her childhood friend Carol for the Ministry of Children and Family Services for most of her career.
Deanna was an incredible friend, daughter, Mom and Nana with her huge caring heart. Throughout the years, she always had a special connection to her hometown of Dauphin and cherished her cottage at Ochre Beach. She enjoyed all the time she spent with her family, friends and especially her grandchildren. She loved doing the crossword puzzles in her morning newspaper, going for drives, tending to her garden, going out for lunch and especially ice cream at Ko’s.
“If only we could wish away your Cancer, your every pain, your every hardship, every challenge that you are facing... It’s hard to know what to do at a time like this but know that we care. You are not alone”. We love you forever and for always Mom & Nana.
