Darlene Phyllis Izzard

Darlene Phyllis (Crampain) Izzard was born in Griswold, Manitoba on November 27, 1942. Darlene was the third of ten children born to Doris and Raymond Crampain. Darlene grew up in Griswold and would often tell stories of her life at home and would laugh while telling stories about growing up with her entertaining brothers. Darlene enjoyed figure skating and spent a lot of time with her dad and brothers at the hockey rink.

Darlene met William (Bill) Izzard and they were married in 1962. In the early years of married life, Darlene and Bill lived in numerous different communities in Manitoba due to Bill’s occupation. While living in Souris, Bill and Darlene celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Terri. Shortly after while living in Brandon, another daughter, Sandy joined the family. Seven years later, another girl, Leanne was born in Pilot Mound, MB. Shortly after the family moved to Minitonas where they finally settled, and the community soon became home. In 1972 their son Darrell was born to complete the family.

Darlene worked in homecare in Minitonas for several years before moving on to work at the Westwood Inn for ten years. While living in Minitonas, Darlene and Bill had numerous close friendships who became a part of the family and many group gatherings were enjoyed over the years. The adults especially enjoyed dressing up on Halloween and going out to have some fun in town. Some of the “tricks” that were blamed on kids on Halloween night were actually the work of mom and her friends.

In December 1985, the family made one final move to the town of Durban. Mom eagerly waited for the arrival of the new house and -35 did not deter the move as mom wanted to have Christmas in the new home. Within 2 days, we were moved in and mom had the house decorated and ready for Christmas.

In 1985, Darlene’s 1st grandchild was born and being a grandma was her greatest joy. Seven grandchildren were born, and all called her Grams including numerous other family friends; she was Grams to them all and treated them like her family which they were to her. When her last grandchild came along, she insisted on calling her “Granny”, which the entire family soon adapted, and she was now Granny to us all.

She treasured her role as Granny and was a big presence in all their lives. She would attend all of their sporting events and would be seen cheering on her grandchildren at their hockey, baseball, soccer games and dance recitals. She loved having family gatherings and usually every Sunday was spent in Durban with mom whipping up a delicious meal. Mom was known for her famous lasagna which is a family favourite. When Grams would get a call to babysit her grandchildren, she would immediately pack up and be on the way. She would be there to babysit and always have her chocolate chip cookies ready for the kids. She would also completely transform the house when there; she would waste no time either grabbing a can of paint or mop and pail; no time would be wasted getting the job done.

Mom’s first great grandchild arrived in 2015; she had a special bond with Nixon and would often chase him around. Four other great grandchildren followed shortly afterwards.

Mom passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021, with her family by her side.

Survived by her loving husband, Bill of 59 years, Children Terri, Sandy (Wayne) and Leanne (Brent), Darrell (Kyla). Grandchildren, Ashley (Devin), Deanna (Drew), Whitney, Steven, Zack (Lisa), Dillon and Breanne. Great Grandchildren, Nixon, Sawyer, Kia, Liv and Brooks.

Mom’s favourite time of year was Christmas. She absolutely loved everything about it; baking, decorating and the Dolly and Kenny Christmas album playing in the background. She was happiest when the house was full, everyone playing games and an abundance of laughter floating through the house. She passed her love for Christmas on to her children and grandchildren. This year’s Christmas we will celebrate as we always have, and we know that mom will be with us.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at the Benito Personal Care Home for their compassionate care.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

There are no goodbyes for us.

Wherever you are,

You will always be in our hearts

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