On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, after a brief illness, Deanne Soke, loving spouse, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Gloria Deanne Park was born August 10, 1937, in Rainy River, ON. She moved to Winnipeg to attend college, where she met, and then married, John Arthur Soke on June 15, 1957. Together they raised four daughters: Jodie, Kathy, Sandra, and Donna in Selkirk, MB.
An affectionate matriarch, Deanne’s perpetual tenderness for her family made her home a busy and constant destination for her children, grandchildren, their partners, and great-grandchildren. Deanne will be remembered for her many creative passions including quilting, knitting, and sewing, but especially for her kindness, generosity, selflessness, and deep friendships. Deanne enjoyed the many years she and John spent in Selkirk including time with cherished neighbours and friends at the Selkirk Volunteer Firefighters Association, Selkirk Eastern Star, and the quilting group at the Seniors Centre. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gordon Howard Senior Centre (gordonhoward.ca). The family thanks the palliative care staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
Deanne was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clinton and Doris Park. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years John Soke, her sister Carolee (Park) Hogue, brother-in-law Rene Hogue, brother Ken Park, her sisters-in-law Sylvia Ewacka and Elva Soke. Her family cherishes her love, memories, and funny stories: Jodie, Merv, Tammy, Corey, Chayse, JC, Bryce, Emily, Brody, Oliver, Dayna, Alex, Arizona, Matilda, Kathy, Kym, Stacey, Sandra, Allyssa, Cole, Latitia, Aaron, Kaiya, Jonny, Willow, Donna, Ben, Seth, Milo, and her many adored nephews and nieces.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Deanne’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
Please note: There is a delay between when a comment is submitted and when it appears on the memorial page.
Aunty Deanne was a special person in my life I .was fortunate to know her and visited many times and baby sat my young cousins. Jody, Cathy and Sandy but I miissed Donna. She was very creative and artistic and seemed to be able to create her own works of art..More than that she was very kind generous and took an interest in me as youngster. She would ask questions and talk to me and she actually listened. I will always remember her as a very fine lady, kind and generous. My thoughts and condolences go out to Uncle John , Jody Cathy , Sandy , Donna ,and all of their many grandchildren , greatchildren. Her sister , brother and brother in law..
Heaven will another Angel.
Aunty Deanne was a beautiful person .She was always smiling and very kind and caring.When I would take Mom and Dad to Winnipeg to visit them .They were always warm and inviting and willing to show them a good time. I too send my thoughts,prayers and condolences to Uncle John ,Jody ,Cathy ,Sandy and Donna and all their grandchildren and great-grand children . It is very hard to lose a mother but at least she is at peace and with the rest of the family. Deanne with live in hearts forever.
Our Deepest Sympathy to Uncle John and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with u all at this difficult time. May all your fond memories help you in the days ahead. Hugs from Don & Pixie.
I remember Auntie Deanne as a warm, kind and welcoming person to all she met. She always seemed to remain calm in chaos and always had a creative project in the works. Her beauty and creativity was passed on to each of her daughters. She had an aura that shone and a delightful laugh that was infectious. We were all fortunate to have had her in our lives.
Our deepest sympathies to Uncle John, Jodie, Kathy, Sandra, Donna and their families.
Love and hugs to all of you as you reminisce, cry, laugh and celebrate with the cherished memories you have and share of Deanne.
Debbie Paul and Leeland
I remember aunty Deanne as a beautiful,kind, generous and happy person with a warm and friendly laugh that you couldn’t hear enough of. She was always welcoming when you visit them.
We,Joanne and I send our condolences to Uncle John,Cathy,Jodie,Donna,Sandy and to grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The world is a lessor place without her.
My condolences to Deanne”s family on her passing. I knew Deanne through Gordon Howard Senior Centre through the Quilting Group. I found Deanne to be very friendly, kind and I am very grateful to her for teaching me how to quilt. I have very fond memories of her and the quilting group and the enjoyable times we all spent together.
Having known Deanne for only a short time I knew from the moment I met her that she had a HUGE heart. She certainly touched mine. (We had an instant bond as she and I shared the same middle name). Thanks for the privilege of caring for mom and dad. With deepest of sympathy to the family.