JEAN DIANA YEO

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JEAN DIANA YEO

(nee OGRODNIK)

June 21, 1922 - October 18, 2024

Saddened but thankful for our many years together, the family announces the peaceful passing of Jean Diana Yeo, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, at the age of 102.

Mom grew up on a farm in Beaconia, MB. She was the fourth of eight surviving children. She attended a one-room school located right next to her parent’s farm. She loved school and all the sports and activities that time allowed. Life revolved around her family, their farm and the community of small towns in the area.

Mom moved to Winnipeg at age 15 and was first employed as a live-in mother’s helper. Over the next three years, she took on a housekeeper job, then moved to Toronto for a year, and eventually returned to Winnipeg. Because she already knew how to sew, she secured a job in the garment industry. This became both an occupation and an interest throughout her life.

Jean met her future husband, Russell, in 1946 and married the following year. Family was always first and foremost. For many years she was a stay-at-home Mom to four children. Our parents made sure their children were involved with sports, music and dance lessons. Mom was an avid spectator at our hockey and baseball games and the costume maker for dance recitals. Happily, we were the recipients of her devoted love, care and support.

Eventually, Mom decided to add ‘working mom’ to her job description and get back into the work force once her children were well on their way in school. She took a job at The Bay where she worked for over 20 years sewing custom-made drapes. All the while, she continued to give of her time to volunteer at her church and community centre.

Later in her life, Mom became a member of the Khartum Shrine Ladies’ Auxiliary as well as the Daughters of the Nile, Sphinx Temple No. 116 and the Tambourine Unit. These groups afforded her many opportunities for friendship, social activities and travel.

Over the years there were also numerous family road trips to visit relatives in Canada and the USA. In addition, our parents made four trips to Europe with their 1997 trip to England being exceptionally memorable. As one of three couples chosen from Manitoba, they attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary because they were married in 1947, the same year as Queen Elizabeth II. Mom sewed herself a lovely dress and jacket for the occasion. What a thrilling experience!

Our parents enjoyed their senior years with regular family get-togethers and more travel. They loved watching football and hockey games on television as well as news programs and of course, the Lawrence Welk Show. Mom’s particular favourite was award shows because she loved to see the gowns the presenters and winners wore. Fashion was a big part of her life.

Mom was a loving, kind, thoughtful, friendly, hard-working and altruistic woman who believed in the power of prayer. She told us she often thought of her own mother telling her to “always try your best, work hard and help others”. These were the words of wisdom that she passed on to her children and by which she herself lived life.

Mom will be deeply missed by her children, Sharon Entz (Wilf), Ken (Janice), Kimberly Morrison (Russell), and Greg; her grandchildren, Scott Entz, Karl Yeo (Heidi), Erik Yeo (Kailey), Kory Yeo (Megan), Braden and Trevor Morrison; and her great-grandchildren, Adaline, Brendan, Edith, Lincoln, Karson, Otto, Finn and Cameron. She was predeceased by her husband Russell, parents, Sadie and Nicholas Ogrodnik, and her siblings, Olga (Mike), Anne, Helen, Mary (Maxy), Steve (Daisy), Norman, and Lawrence (Ann).

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2025