Obituaries

ARLENE JAMIESON

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Arlene Jamieson. A loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. In the early hours of October 31, 2026, surrounded by her family, with their hands holding hers, Arlene was reunited with her love, Larry.

Arlene leaves behind a family who loved her dearly: her children, Sharon; and Bill, Jamie; and Shawna, Brian; and Patti. Her grandchildren, Michelle, Danielle, Chelsea, Jorden, Sara, Michael, and Melanie, and their partners, Des, Diego, Danica, Jesse, Vita, and Kevin. She was also a proud great-grandma to Max, Leah, Bo, David, and Nina. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.

Arlene began her life as Arlene Burkitt, growing up with her parents and four brothers in Winnipeg’s Elmwood neighbourhood. Throughout her school years, she played on the baseball team and discovered her knack for numbers. Eventually working as a key punch operator at CP Rail.

It was in high school that she met the love of her life, Larry. They married in 1958 and began building a life and family together. Raising their three children kept them busy, and they embraced every part of being parents. Arlene became a hockey mom to Brian and Jamie and spent many early mornings immersed in the St. James Seals swimming community with Sharon.

Their little house on Harcourt Street was home to decades of memories. There was a lot of life packed into that home, and so many special moments shared there. It was a place where her sewing room was always busy (she could effortlessly hem any pair of pants brought her way) and where The Young and the Restless played faithfully on the tiniest television set tucked into her kitchen. Among their greatest blessings was the bonds they shared with their neighbours, the Zak and Ross families, who quickly became like family.

They also made countless memories at their cabin on Trout Lake, in Ontario. Arlene found so much happiness in the simple things there: tending to her rock gardens, keeping the hummingbirds fed, picking rhubarb and watching the other birds and chipmunks visit. There was always fresh pancakes for breakfast and a frozen chocolate cake ready to enjoy.

After Larry’s passing in 2010, life changed, but Arlene continued to make the most of each chapter. Eventually, maintaining two properties became too much, and she sold her home on Harcourt Street and moved into a nearby life lease residence. It was there that she met Genevieve, a neighbour who quickly became a dear friend. They formed a special bond, checking in on each other every day. Genevieve, what a gift you were to her. Arlene remained in her home there until her passing, something her family is truly grateful for.

Arlene was very clear about how she wanted to be remembered and what she wanted when her time came. Everyone together, sharing favourite stories and photographs, laughing, and enjoying time with one another. There was nothing she loved more than having the people she loved all in one place.

Please join us on Thursday, November 12th, at 2:00 p.m. at Charleswood Community Church as we gather to celebrate Arlene’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or Diabetes Canada, two causes that were near to her heart.

Until we meet again, our sweet Grandma J.