Diane Lynn Harrington

Diane Lynn Harrington (nee Bjarnarson) passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Diane was born on March 28, 1947, in Neepawa, Manitoba, to George Leonard Bjarnarson and Rachel Christina Bjarnarson (nee Muylle). She grew up on the family farm along the Whitemud River in the Steel Bridge District, east of Gladstone, Manitoba. Diane attended Steel Bridge Elementary and William Morton Collegiate in Gladstone. After graduating high school, she moved to Winnipeg to attend Success Business College.
 

Diane was married to Robert (“Bob”) Charles Harrington of Picton, Ontario, from July 1, 1967 until his sudden passing on August 2, 1994. Together, they raised two daughters, Jill Christine and Karen Lynn, and cared for many family pets.

Known for her kind, supportive and compassionate nature, Diane will be missed by all who knew her.  Diane was a social person who enjoyed live theatre/music and attended numerous memorable concerts and plays. Travelling was one of her favourite pastimes. Diane was thankful to have had the opportunity to visit many different places in her lifetime, including Iceland (homeland of her father’s side of the family). One of Diane’s long-time interests was genealogy, and she spent many hours researching and maintaining records for the Bjarnarson, Arnason, Muylle, Harrington and Mouck family trees. She loved bird watching, had a green thumb and was an accomplished gardener. Being a grandmother gave Diane great joy, and spending time with her granddaughters meant a lot to her.

As a cancer survivor, Diane was passionate about supporting others going through similar challenges, which led to her becoming an active member of the Waves of Hope Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team.

One of Diane’s treasured memories was moving to the new mining town of Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, in December 1971. Diane, Bob, newborn daughter Karen and almost four-year-old daughter Jill were officially designated as the first family to reside in the newly developed town near Sherritt Gordon Mines. The Harringtons initially lived in a modest home with no TV and only CBC Radio for entertainment. They made great memories and developed lifelong friendships with neighbours and families who came from communities all over Canada for the opportunity to work at the new mine. Viewing the northern lights, camping, boating, and bear-watching were highlights of that period of her life.

After several moves, the family settled in Basswood, Manitoba, in 1978. Diane managed the post office and general store while Bob ran a mobile feed mill business. Diane was very involved in the community and often volunteered at events. 

Diane worked for various employers over the years, including MacKay Morton Ltd. (Winnipeg), the Department of Health & Social Services (Winnipeg), Calm Air (Lynn Lake), Sherritt Gordon Mines (Lynn Lake), Canada Post & General Store (Basswood), and the Minnedosa Hospital and PCH, until she retired in 2016 after 30 years of service as Director of Housekeeping & Laundry. After retirement, Diane moved to Brandon before finally moving to Winnipeg in January 2024.

Diane is survived by her daughters, Jill and Karen Harrington, son-in-law Jeff Roshka, granddaughters Kate and Grace Roshka, sister Joan (Tom) Kinley, brothers Bob (Louise) Bjarnarson and Glenn (Shauna) Bjarnarson, numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. Diane was preceded in death by her husband Bob Harrington, parents Len and Rae Bjarnarson, and brother Doug (Debbie) Bjarnarson.

Those who wish to remember Diane are invited to join the family for a celebration of life with lunch at 12:00 noon on May 4, 2024, at the Legion in Gladstone, MB., 82 Dennis Street. To send condolences online visit www.clarkesfuneralhome.com
 

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to any of Diane’s favourite charities: Waves of Hope Dragon Boat Team, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Brandon Humane Society, Victoria General Hospital Foundation, or a food bank of choice.