Obituary of Colleen Audrey DeGagne

PHOTO DeGAGNE: Colleen Audrey DeGagne of Brandon, MB passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, on January 28, 2011, after losing a valiant and courageous battle to cancer. Passing away with enormous dignity, she was 48 years old. Colleen was born on February 17, 1962 in Kenora, ON, Colleen took full advantage of the natural beauty of the region, enjoying many outdoors activities with family and friends. As a youngster, Colleen loved camping, canoeing, swimming, softball, track and field, skating and most any other active endeavour. She had many fond memories of playing "spook", and other outdoor games with her cousins and neighbours while living on 9th street – the "mill hill". Colleen especially loved visiting with her grandparents, who lived directly across the street. She loved the aroma of her grandma`s house, particularly when the oven was in full swing! Colleen attended Pinecrest School for grades one to six, and Valleyview School for grades seven and eight before starting high school at Beaver Brae Secondary School. One of her favourite classes was typing in which she won an award. Colleen attained her Grade 8 Piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), but chose not to pursue this pass-time, even though her teacher considered her to have a "natural" talent. During high school, Colleen had a number of part-time jobs; Al-Kay `s corner store, which was a half-block from home and the Loblaw`s grocery store. After graduating from Beaver Brae in 1981, Colleen enrolled at the St. Boniface General Hospital School of Nursing. Shortly after graduating in 1983, she started a part-time job at the St. Boniface that lasted for a period of one year. In the summer of 1980, on a whim and with the encouragement of a friend, Colleen decided to play on a ladies softball team in Kenora. She took a shine to the coach, also a Kenora resident, home for the summer from classes at Brandon University. Colleen, a radiant and beautiful bride, married the love of her life, Rick DeGagne, at the First Baptist Church on a hot summer day, July 28, 1984. In the late summer of 1984, she accepted a position in the Intensive Care Unit at the Brandon General Hospital. Colleen was a passionate, compassionate and dedicated nurse throughout her entire career. She loved her work in the ICU. Over the course of twenty-six years, Colleen treated all patients like she would want to be treated, earning the respect of the Brandon medical community, while she made many strong and lasting friendships. Colleen inherited a "green thumb" from her father, witnessed by the number of beautiful flowers that adorned the yard, as well as the numerous plants in her home. As well as being an active gardener, Colleen could be seen most days running her favourite eight-kilometre route in the streets of Brandon - even during her chemo sessions, and 30 below weather. Colleen was born to be the finest mother, and leaves behind four wonderful children - Matt, Brock, Danielle and Josie. She was their mom, best friend and biggest fan. At all of their activities or events, Colleen was there to support and encourage them. Armed with her camera, she never missed a chance to capture a precious moment for her family. Updating photo albums and scrapbooks consumed much of her leisure time over the past few years, but she was determined to preserve these memories for them. She vigorously nurtured their love of life, sport, friends and family. Colleen loved being active with her family; ball at JR Reid School, tennis, board games, cards, or simply going for a walk. Favourite camping destinations included Minneapolis and Milwaukee – especially Yogi Bear Campground! Sunday evenings were family movie night – unplug the phone and relax together. These are the things that meant the world to Colleen and made her the happiest. The surprise 25th wedding anniversary celebration held during the summer of 2009, planned by her children, was an absolute highlight for Colleen and the entire family, as they had a chance to visit so many good friends that they had not seen for quite some time. Colleen was the youngest of three children and is also survived by her parents; Bob and Bernice Baker of Kenora, ON; brother Robin (and friend Pauline Couture) of Ottawa, ON; sister Heather (Mark) LaBelle of Victoria, B.C. and nine nieces and nephews. An emotional service to honour Colleen`s life was held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church in Brandon. Special thanks to Reverend Dong-Ha Kim for presiding over the service, to Reverend Tom Oshiro for his words of comfort and wisdom, and to Mark for his inspirational talent in leading the show of love that we all have for Colleen. Thank you to the many family members and friends who travelled to Brandon to attend the service. Your cards of condolences and gifts are truly appreciated. The family would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the medical staffs at the BRHA`s Cancer Care, 300, 400 and ICU, as well as the Grace Hospital Cancer Care Unit. Colleen loved you all! Donations in Colleen`s memory may be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 700 - 10665 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S9 (www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt). "Rest well, Colleen as you suffer no more. You are so special to so many. Your unique blue eyes, your soft voice and your contagious smile will be sorely missed. We love you dearly!"