Dianne Janet Wintoniw

Dianne Janet Wintoniw

1949 - 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Dianne Wintoniw, on June 13, 2026, at the age of 76.

After a courageous 191-day battle, she passed peacefully, surrounded by love. She faced every challenge with remarkable strength, determination, and grace. A true “momma bear,” she fought with everything she had, never giving up, and her fierce love for her family never wavered.

She was a devoted mother whose greatest joy came from caring for those she loved. She found happiness in life’s simple moments, gardening, planting flowers, preparing cherished Ukrainian comfort foods like borscht, beetniks, cabbage rolls, perogies, and nalysnyky, milking cows by hand, making butter and cottage cheese, canning and preserving the harvest, sharing meals, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Her Ukrainian heritage was a source of immense pride and shaped many of her family’s most treasured memories. Every holiday was celebrated with beloved traditions, homemade food, and time spent together. She believed these customs were gifts to be passed from one generation to the next and lovingly instilled their importance in her children. Her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.

Dianne was raised on the family farm in Pine River, MB. As a young woman, after some convincing from her aunty Nettie, she decided to give city life a try. She worked at a paper bag manufacturing company, but after only 6 months she realized the city wasn’t where her heart belonged and returned to the peaceful country life she loved.

Not long after returning home, she attended a wedding where she met her first husband, Metro “Mickey” Hlady. And after he asked her to dance, she knew he was the one. They married on March 17, 1973, and welcomed two sons, Michael and Daniel. Due to health complications Mickey passed on May 20, 1980. During their years together, they made their home in Cowan, MB and later Rossburn, MB.

On July 3, 1982, Dianne married John Wintoniw. Together they welcomed Kathy, and two years later Johnny. They built their lives on the family farm in Durban, MB where Dianne poured her heart into everything she did. She maintained a large market garden, milked many cows by hand, and made deliveries every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday to Benito, Swan River and Minitonas. She also cared for an apple orchard and many other fruit trees.

Dianne spent the last 20 years of her life in Swan River, MB, a place she truly loved and was proud to call home. She cherished the peace and privacy of her property, where the backyard was surrounded by towering cedars. There, she lovingly tended a generous raspberry patch, a thriving strawberry patch, and a vegetable garden. Nothing brought her more satisfaction than growing and enjoying her own fresh food. The front yard was always bursting with vibrant petunias, while marigolds faithfully lined her garden in the back, a tradition she never missed.

Beyond her love of gardening, Dianne was a powerhouse in the kitchen. She became well known for making countless perogies and cabbage rolls, preparing them for her son’s restaurant and catering company, as well as for trips up north where they were sold throughout the community. Her incredible work ethic, dedication, and ability to keep production moving earned her the affectionate title of “Large Production Manager.” She took great pride in her work and continued doing what she loved until her hands and body could no longer keep up. Eventually, declining health led to her admission to the Swan Valley Health Centre.

While our hearts are deeply broken, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. Her love, wisdom, unwavering strength, and countless memories she created will remain with us forever.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Michael (Donna), Daniel (Dawn), Kathy (Ray), and Johnny (Jenna). Her grandchildren, Dakota (Kiersten), Quinn H., Morgan, Rogan, Westyn, Parker, and Quinn W. Her great-grandchildren Sage, Sienna, and Della. Her sister, Lorianne (Raymond), and her nephews Corey (Kim) & Chris (Carla).

She was predeceased by husband Metro Hlady (May 20, 1980) and husband John Wintoniw (Nov 1, 2022), parents Olga & William Lylyk.

Though she is no longer by our side, her love will continue to guide us, her strength will inspire us, and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Dianne may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation 675 McDermot Ave Room ON1160 Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.