June 12, 1960 – February 22, 2025
Liz was born and raised by her grandparents in the Gillam, Manitoba area. She attended two separate Frontier School Divisions. The first during grades 9 and 10 at Cranberry Portage, Manitoba and second grades 11 and 12 in Gillam. Liz eventually left Gillam in 1984 in order to attend the four year program at the U of M Social Work Program at Thompson. She met her partner Mitchell Ducharme when he attended the same program in March 1987. Although Liz graduated in 1988 she waited until Mitchell graduated in 1991. Liz meanwhile worked for Community and Youth Correctional Services as a Youth Probation Officer from 1987 to 1991.
She leaves behind her three greatest achievements: Veltina (Tina), Aaron and Kristi. Liz has two nieces, in particular, Marley Spence and Hannah Henderson who have been an integral part of her life.
Predeceased by her grandparents Christine (deceased August 16, 1976) and John Peter’s, parents John (deceased September 15, 1974) and Margaret Spence (nee Massan – deceased October 18, 2018), Brothers Edward and Alex, and Sister Vicki.
The family moved to Brandon where Liz was employed as an Intake Worker with Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba from May 1991 to July 2000. She then rejoined Probation Services until her untimely death on February 22, 2025.
Liz held the position of Area Director – first in Thompson in 2015 and then in Westman until just prior to her passing. Her Probation Officers were her pride and joy. Liz mentored them in the way she would want to be mentored to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of a Probation Officer – but more importantly a civil servant.
Liz fought the daily battles of the stereotypes of being an Indigenous female government employee. She was an active member of Pitima and later co-chair of Brandon Bear Clan and remained an active participant.
Liz touched the lives of many people. She maintained a great sense of humour. Liz will be forever missed. May she now rest in peace. Till we meet again.
In accordance with her wishes, Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Liz’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
I met and worked with Liz in the early 90’s at CFSWM. She was a great social worker with a good sense of humour. All in all a class act who will be missed!
Mitch, Tina, Aaron, Kristi, Marley and Hannah my heart goes out to you after losing Liz to this cruel disease. I had the privilege of working with Liz at Probation for several years and I know she loved you all dearly. She was wise and kind and had a wonderful sense of humour. She had a firm belief in the good in everyone and in her enthusiastic and optimistic way she touched so many peoples’ lives. We have lost a truly good person who we will never forget.
I am offering my most sincere condolences to you, Mitch and your family. I had the pleasure to know both you and Liz when you joined the Probation Team in Thompson. I will always remember Liz for her bright light and energy that she shared with all who knew her. She and I had the unique task of practising her driving to get
her license. This would add to her personal and professional capacity in her work with her clients. She took this on with the same conviction, purpose and sense of humor tbat was her way with many experiences. We continued our Probation work in Brandon for many years. And our last connection was when Liz came to Forrest United Chutch to speak about her outreach with the Bear Clan. I am grateful we had a few minutes to talk and share a hug. It is a special memory. Despite the very tragic turn in her health and the unimaginable challenges she and all of you faced, I will remember Liz”s eternal smile and the genuine warmth she radiated. She will be dearly missed.