Diane Deschambeault

Diane was born Sunday, May 28, 1944 in Cumberland House, Saskatchewan where she was also raised. She spent a lot of time in the traditional pursuits with her dad during her youth. Diane joined her dad on the trap line, fish camp and with relative and family in Deep Lake and Pine Bluff. Her dad was a strong influence in her life especially because her mother, Melanie, spent six years in the sanitarium during her early years. She settled down in The Pas, Manitoba, marrying Philip Dorion and lived in Opaskwayak Cree Nation. She worked for Opaskwayak Cree Nation in various capacities since 1970. Diane was currently employed as the Executive Director of Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services. One of her dreams was to return all the children in care to their families. She worked diligently with families so the children would not have to go into care to keep families united. Diane was a very independent woman, who was strong-willed and dedicated to the unity of our community, its families and their children. This is the reason why she was nominated and received the Women of the Year award through Swampy Cree Tribal Council. Even through her illness, Diane continued to think of others. She treats all people with respect and does not treat any one person better than the other. To her all people are equal and important to her. Through everything, good and bad, Diane based her life on the love she had for mankind. Diane passed away, Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, age 66 years. Diane is survived by her 4 children: Roger (Erica), Jason (Jen), Philip Jr. (Colleen), Pammie (John R.P. Constant); mother Melanie Deschambeault; sisters Toni Deschambeault, Marguerite (Bill) Allard, Muriel (Alex) Campbell, Ethel (Randy) Dorion; brothers Barney Deschambeault, A.J. Deschambeault, Clarence Deschambeault, Wilbert “Jack” Deschambeault, D.W. Deschambeault; grandchildren Chloe Dorion, Jessica Dorion, Ariel Dorion, Gabrielle Young, Darian Young, Jaydee Dorion, Jace Dorion, Tristen Dorion, Trinity Dorion, Philip Dorion III, Kasey Dorion, Kiana Dorion, Kenzie Dorion, Addison Constant (Lil Johnny, as she called her); and nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and acquaintances too numerous to mention. Diane was predeceased by her chosen son, Dennis Dorion; father Edward Deschambeault Sr.; brothers Lionel Deschambeault, Edward Deschambeault Jr.; sister-in-law Ethel Deschambeault; grandparents Isadore and Sarah Carriere, Chief Tom Settee Sr. and his wife Adelaide. Wake services were held Saturday, August 21, 2010, beginning at 7:00 pm at the home of the late Hilda Diane Deschambeault, 24 Whitehead Crescent, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba and continued Sunday, August 22, 2010, 5:00 pm at the Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. Mass of Christian burial for Diane was held Monday, August 23, 2010, 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba with Rev. Paul Bringleson and the Ven. Lydia Constant presiding. Music ministry was provided by Mike Jebb Jr.. Memories of the heart were shared by Diane’s grandchildren and the eulogy was delivered by Marguerite Allard. Scripture readings were proclaimed by Jen Dorion, Alex Campbell and Chloe Dorion. Interment will be a private ceremony by family at a later date. Pallbearers were Roger Dorion, Jason Dorion, Philip Dorion Jr., Allan Constant, John R.P. Constant, Ashton Allard, Wilbert “Jack” Deschambeault, A.J. Deschambeault, D.W. Deschambeault, Clarence Deschambeault, Alex Campbell and Cordell Deschambeault. Honorary pallbearers Rosina McGillivary, Flora Young, All Diane’s Staff at Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services, Chief and Senior Managers of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Philip Dorion Sr. and all his siblings. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donation to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, Unit 1-452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1G4, would be appreciated by Diane’s family.