Mary Diane Svanbjorg Erickson

September 7th, 1936 – November 2nd, 2021

Diane is predeceased by parents George and Svana Philbin and husband William Erickson. Survived by sister Terry and brother John; niece Daria, nephew Damian (Gayle) and great-nephew Marek and great-nieces Deryn and Leah and many cousins and friends.

Born and raised in Churchill, Diane graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg and continued on to complete her Bachelor of Science at the University of Manitoba. After graduation, Diane worked in her field as a Meteorologist for Pan American World Airways Rocket Range. She loved her job and the adventures it afforded her, travelling to Europe and beyond. Diane loved living in Churchill despite the often harsh conditions and made her home an oasis in the tundra.

Diane maintained several greenhouses and supplied the town with bedding plants and fruits and vegetables through her business, Boreal Gardens. Fresh rhubarb pie, tomatoes, preserves from foraged local berries and so much more were Diane’s passion that she shared with locals and visitors alike. She was an intrepid entrepreneur while also working full time and maintaining their home overlooking town.

Reading was also a passion for Diane. She especially enjoyed science fiction (Asimov was a favourite) and mysteries and was enchanted by the possibilities of space, discovery and how science shapes our lives. Her library was a joy to behold.

Diane was a devout Catholic and enjoyed attending new churches wherever she travelled, making new friends wherever she went.

Diane was a staunch Churchillian, advocating for the town and promoting it to anyone she met. She remained keenly interested in the town news even after moving to Winnipeg in 2018.

You will be missed Diane.

Diane Erickson (nee Philbin)

September 7th, 1936 – November 2nd, 2021

Diane is predeceased by parents George and Svana Philbin and husband William Erickson. Survived by sister Terry and brother John; niece Daria, nephew Damian (Gayle) and great-nephew Marek and great-nieces Deryn and Leah and many cousins and friends.

Born and raised in Churchill, Diane graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg and continued on to complete her Bachelor of Science at the University of Manitoba. After graduation, Diane worked in her field as a Meteorologist for Pan American World Airways Rocket Range. She loved her job and the adventures it afforded her, travelling to Europe and beyond. Diane loved living in Churchill despite the often harsh conditions and made her home an oasis in the tundra.

Diane maintained several greenhouses and supplied the town with bedding plants and fruits and vegetables through her business, Boreal Gardens. Fresh rhubarb pie, tomatoes, preserves from foraged local berries and so much more were Diane’s passion that she shared with locals and visitors alike. She was an intrepid entrepreneur while also working full time and maintaining their home overlooking town.

Reading was also a passion for Diane. She especially enjoyed science fiction (Asimov was a favourite) and mysteries and was enchanted by the possibilities of space, discovery and how science shapes our lives. Her library was a joy to behold.

Diane was a devout Catholic and enjoyed attending new churches wherever she travelled, making new friends wherever she went.

Diane was a staunch Churchillian, advocating for the town and promoting it to anyone she met. She remained keenly interested in the town news even after moving to Winnipeg in 2018.

You will be missed Diane.