Joan "Dianne" Seidlitz (nee Parker)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dianne Seidlitz on February 25, 2025, at the age of 90 in Portage la Prairie, following a brief illness.

Dianne is survived by her beloved husband, Paul, with whom she shared over 70 years of marriage, and their four children: Cathy (Bill) of Quesnel, BC; Karl (Janice) of Winnipeg; Eric (Wendy) of Hamilton, ON; and Dave (Sandra) of Portage la Prairie. She was a cherished grandmother to six grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren. This past November, Dianne and Paul celebrated their remarkable 70th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents, Harvey Parker (d. December 12, 1970) and Maude Parker (née Middleditch; d. June 18, 2005), as well as her younger sister, Sharon Cook (d. September 30, 2021).

Born in Portage la Prairie, Dianne was the eldest daughter of Harvey and Maude Parker. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, and the Parker family resided on Dufferin Avenue for many years. Her father, a veteran of WW1 injured at Vimy, worked at the Daily Graphic, while her mother, a longtime member of the Order of Royal Purple, was employed for many years at Greenberg’s Groceteria.

In the early 1950s, Dianne met the love of her life, Paul, at a dance at the RCAF base. Their connection was immediate, and on November 20, 1954, they were married at St. Mary’s Anglican Church by Canon P.C. Bays. As an Air Force family their lifetime of adventures together included moving frequently, and they lived in many locations across Canada and in Europe. No matter where they were, Dianne made every house a warm and loving home, ensuring that her children were always surrounded by comfort and stability.

A very talented cook, Dianne delighted in bringing family together over meals, especially during the holidays. She took great pride in keeping family traditions alive, every year sending out her famous Christmas cookies to children and grandchildren across the country. Her passion for gardening was evident in the beautiful plants she nurtured throughout her life. Even as it became more challenging, she remained dedicated to tending her garden with Paul, always planning for the next season’s harvest.

Dianne will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of love, tradition, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

A family interment will take place at a later date in the columbarium at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com