Darlene Trainer

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend. Darlene passed away at the age of 66 on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Concordia Hospital after a brave battle with cancer.

She will live on forever in the hearts of her son Derek (Kelly) and daughter Danielle. Also left to mourn are her siblings Louise (Darrell), Roberta (John), Murray (Brenda), Jim (Terry) and Pat (Bob), as well as her brothers-in-law Pat (Liz), Michael (Karen) and Glenn, and sister-in-law Carol (Keith). She always cherished the relationships that she had with all of her nieces and nephews. Darlene also leaves to mourn many friends whom she met throughout her life and who were touched by her presence. Darlene was predeceased by her husband Shaun, her parents Merton and Dorothy Greenley, and her in-laws Donald and Peggie Trainer.

Darlene was born to Merton and Dorothy Greenley on November 17, 1948 in Melita, Manitoba. While living in Virden, during school lunches, she remembered going to the Creamery, so Mom could make her pancakes. She enjoyed taking the train with Louise, Roberta and Mom to Brandon where they all got new saddle oxfords. She loved when they would load up the car on Ross Avenue and go to the farm at Easter, and Mom had already hidden Easter candy. In 1962, the family moved to Donegal Bay where many great memories were formed. She recalled fondly the trailer trips to Vancouver to visit her Mom’s family. Darlene would never have known how to cook or clean without her Mom’s guidance. At Donegal Bay, she would hustle home from school to get supper ready. Darlene and her sisters had many happy memories of making suppers and having all their spots set at the table.

Darlene caught Shaun’s eye at the Lily Restaurant in the Munroe Shopping Centre and it was love at first sight. They married on August 30, 1969 and welcomed their son Derek in 1976 and daughter Danielle in 1978. Shaun took Darlene to England and France in 1979, visiting his grandparents and Auntie Edna. The family always took annual summer vacations throughout the US and Canada. She looked forward to shopping trips to Fargo and heading out west to visit Danielle. Shaun and Darlene loved to go for breakfast in Oakbank, and would surprise her parents with a visit at Paradise Village. In September 2009, Shaun and Darlene were able to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a family in Whistler, B.C. After retirement, they thoroughly enjoyed their two winters in Osoyoos, B.C.

Darlene will always be remembered for her love and dedication to her family. She truly knew the importance of sharing and giving, and had a "heart of gold". Whenever there was a family gathering, Darlene was there, with a card in hand. She loved Christmas, weddings and reunions, as it was always a chance to talk and dance. She loved to dance from an early age. When her parents had parties, they would let the kids join in and dance. When Louise and Darlene would come home from school, they would dance in front of the TV to Bob Burns’ Teen Dance Party. This would be put to a stop by Dad yelling at them that they were wearing out the carpet. Darlene was a wonderful cook, especially her Christmas baking, and Christmas wreath cookies. Her potato salad was a much-requested dish for all family gatherings. Darlene was also fond of the family pets. She loved the family dogs Dexter, Jessica, Cooper and Kobee. Darlene worked for CMHC for almost 30 years, retiring in 1999. She kept in touch with many of her work friends, having breakfast or lunch with them after retirement. In recent years, she enjoyed her “breakfast club” with Murray and Pat. After breakfast, they could be found at the VLTs, laughing and trying to smash the pig. Darlene and Pat had a regular routine every morning of talking about whatever was going on. Pat would usually call too early for Darlene, and this would elicit a response to call back later. She enjoyed heading out to Laclu to spend time with Roberta, or going Black Friday shopping in Minneapolis with Louise. She could always depend on Jim to help her with things around the house that needed fixing. She got to experience the “White-out” with Derek when they attended game 3 of the 2015 Jets playoffs. She always enjoyed meeting with Danielle in Vancouver, going for Thai food.

After losing Shaun, Darlene found a new partner in Barry Cartier. Darlene would frequently travel to Vancouver to spend time with Barry. They enjoyed their social gatherings at the ANAF Taurus 298, and taking trips to the US, as well as visiting Barry’s family in Hamilton, Ontario. Barry helped Darlene throughout her battle, caring for her and keeping her strength up with his healthy meals and shakes.

More than anything, Darlene was dedicated and devoted to her family. We were her focus and she never let us down. What a wonderful lasting example to us all.

Her family would like to express their appreciation to staff at the Concordia Oncology Clinic, Health Sciences Centre, and N3 West staff at Concordia Hospital.

Celebration of Darlene’s life will be held on Friday June 26, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Klassen Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Darlene to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Concordia Foundation.

God made a wonderful mother,

A mother who never grows old,

He made her smile of the sunshine,

And he moulded her heart of pure gold.

In her eyes, he placed bright shining stars,

In her cheeks, fair roses you see.

God made a beautiful mother,

And he gave that dear mother to me.

KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME

1897 HENDERSON HWY

204-338-0331