Diane (Bachalo) Kitson

Diane Kitson (1921 – 2016)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Diane on April 6th, 2016 at the Portage General Hospital.

            She leaves to cherish her memory, her three children: Marilyn (Cliff) Burton of Winnipeg, and their children Mark (Sarra), Scott (Crystal) and Ryan Burton; Noreen  (Dave) Hall of Cochrane, Alberta and her children Kathryn and Daniel Grant; Donald Kitson of Portage la Prairie and his children Lindsay Kitson (Nathan) and Murray Kitson; great grandchildren: Tyler, Emma and Liam Burton.

            She was predeceased by her husband Harold William (Bill) (Nov. 10, 2002), her parents: Steve and Kate Bachalo, her siblings: Minnie Rusnak, Nellie Buchanan, Ed Bachalo, Daniel Bachalo, Audrey Ramey, Effie Dennis and Mary Bachalo. Also surviving are siblings: Joe, Larry, Arnold and William Bachalo, Eileen Nielsen, Thelma Williams and Gladys Plaster.

            Diane, the third eldest of fifteen children was born on Feb. 28, 1921 in Glenella, MB.  That spring, the family moved to Edwin, MB where she lived until moving to Portage la Prairie at the age of 18 years.  She worked as a housekeeper, then as a cashier at Safeway.  During this time, she met Bill whom she married on Oct. 20, 1943.  They owned and operated Kitson Apiaries until Bill’s passing at which time her son, Don continued the business.

            After Bill’s passing, she loved to go to her “work” as a volunteer for about ten years at the M.C.C. store in Portage la Prairie.  She enjoyed the company of the caring staff and volunteers.

            Diane was a very active person with a strong work ethic.  She took pride in her home, her home-cooked meals and her vegetable garden, especially her tomatoes.  She had a wonderful sense of humour, and at 95 years old, was blessed with retaining her sharp mind.  She was a long standing member of the Christ Church and demonstrated the Christian values of compassion, humility and love for her family, friends, and neighbours.  She thoroughly enjoyed all family gatherings.

            Diane loved the sport of curling.  She was past president and life member of the Portage la Prairie Curling Club and participated in numerous bonspiels.  In 1956 and 1957, she played lead on the Lillie Clark Rink which won the Manitoba Ladies Provincial Curling Championship.  In May 2010, the Clark Rink was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame.  When no longer able to curl, she thoroughly enjoyed watching curling on TV.

            In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service.  A private family gathering will be held at a later date. 

Interment will be at Burnside Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com “Dedicated to those we serve”.

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