Darlene Joan Keilback (Nee Buss)

1951 ~ 2014

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Darlene Keilback, aged 63, on January 31, 2014.

Leaving to cherish her memory is her husband Glenn; daughter Joanne (Jake); sons Matthew and Thomas (friend Ashley), as well as her two grandchildren, Serena and Nathan.  She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, and numerous extended family and friends.

Darlene’s journey began on March 21, 1951.  Her first few years were spent in Golden Bay before the family moved to Whitemouth in 1953.  Darlene was the 10^th of 13 siblings born to the late William and Lydia Buss.  Darlene attended school in Whitemouth before moving into Winnipeg to study at MIT. She began working at Great West Life and also at the Parks Branch which she thoroughly enjoyed.

On September 17, 1977 she married Glenn and together they built a home just outside of Beausejour.  They raised their family while operating a mixed farm.  Mom loved this life, “the farm life”…whether it was tending to the cattle or “her” chickens, picking and selling the eggs; helping to fix or move equipment and unloading grain; burning stubble; taking suppers to the field; working in her garden or mowing the lawn.  She spent a lot of time outdoors, and looked forward to trips to the berry patch to fill her buckets full of strawberries and wild blueberries. Mosquito’s didn’t deter her, nor did the bears.  In recent years she loved to take her grandchildren out in the yard where she would shake the apple trees and as a team they would fill boxes to make crisps and pies.  In late summer, Mom would do her usual canning and pickling, often with Joanne, as this was a special time they shared.

Mom loved to shop, both at the mall and garage sales, and when she found a “good deal” she bought it for someone.  Mom’s youthful spirit shone through on sporadic trips to the States, and even sometimes when going on a “parts run” to Steinbach as she loved a local adventure and the stories that resulted.  At community events, she was excited buying silent auction tickets, and usually came home a winner.  Mom loved to work together on a puzzle, or play cards/games. Even though Mom could not swim, going to the beach was another favorite outing, as she loved the sunshine.  She could sit for hours, relaxing and working on her tan while the rest of us were hiding in the shade.  At the lake she always wanted to go for a boat ride.  She was eager to get out on the water and view the scenery, commenting on all the cottages as they passed.  Mom spent quieter times at home watching game shows, Young & the Restless or playing solitaire on the computer.

Mom had a strong devotion to family and a heart of gold.  She was a giving woman who always put others before herself.  If you asked her to help, or she could think of something to ease a burden for you, she would.  She was often assisting older relatives, or simply just being there for her children & grandchildren.  Most of you will remember Mom as a caregiver to her disabled son, Matthew.  Her unconditional love for, and commitment to Matthew for the last 25 years cannot accurately be put into words.  She always watched out for his best interests and took great care with his daily routine.  When he was away for more than a few days respite, she would be anxious for his return, to not only know, but to see that he was okay.

Mom thrived with a house full of company and opened her home to a variety of strangers over the years, including many exchange students and hired hands.  She is known for making the best manicotti or seven-layer dinner, followed by sex-in-the-pan or chocolate chip cookies, all served with Iced Tea or La Scalla to drink.  Mom was proud that her home was a place with full bellies and happy hearts as nobody ever left hungry and the atmosphere was one where we could lovingly tease each other and enjoy a few laughs.  Mom was energized when everyone around her was having a good time.  She was a strong woman who left a print on many lives.  She gave us all her time, attention and most of all her LOVE, and for that we cannot thank her enough.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6 at Sobering Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Darlene Keilback to ACL Beausejour Branch, Box 1015, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0 so they may provide respite and long term care to others in our community.

The family would like to thank each and every one of you for extending your support during this difficult time.  We hope to personally acknowledge you all at some point in the future.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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