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JULIE K CHALMERS KNIGHT
Date of Passing: Mar 02, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJULIE K CHALMERS KNIGHT
Julie Chalmers Knight died Monday, March 2, surrounded by her family and friends, who she loved dearly. She was 73 ¾ years old.
An infant of Scotland, a child of Wales, and daughter of England, Britain was always her spiritual home. But she was a free citizen of the world who chose to live primarily in Winnipeg as a mom, a student, a friend, and a patron of the arts and culture scene. An avid and wide-ranging traveller, she visited Australia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, France, UK, Mexico, Greece and Italy. As an active bookclubber, she enjoyed time with 2 different clubs, always juggling several books at a time. She was a creative gardener; the English garden she built at her home is described by friends as a reflection of her soul.
Julie achieved a hard-earned education in political science and public administration while co-parenting her kids, working, and putting herself through school. She spent most of her working career in healthcare administration at HSC and Winnipeg Health Authority contributing to the improvement of patient and healthcare worker experience with the digitization of healthcare records. Little did she know when she was in the midst of those huge systemic changes that she herself would get a significant view from the patient’s side.
Her athleticism sustained her throughout her life, enjoying ballet, yoga, cycling (once pedaling with her former husband Phil from London, ON to Montreal to go watch the '76 Olympics), hiking, parachuting out of a plane once, and of late becoming known at the gym for being able to out-lift people half her age.
Throughout the decades, Julie was immensely proud of her children, championing them in their sport, art, academic endeavours, and the independence she fostered in them and the lives that they created for themselves. Her 7 grandkids brought her great joy; she loved being their Nana and watching them work hard and excel in all of their chosen activities.
Memorable times with friends were a highlight of Julie's life: cruising down the Rhone with Joan, being English with her friend Ann, introducing Canadians to Bonfire Night with her friend and workmate Kym; walking the beaches of Vietnam with Kate; bookclub meetings over good food and wine with Marcia, Lori, Kate, Joan, Michelle and many others; dinners in her friends Audrey and Alan's garden; weekly long walks to the Forks with her friend Marie, talking about their lives, politics, movies and books, and their unique interest in electronic medical records as well as how to navigate the medical system through Julie's illnesses, then delighting in sharing the first beer outside in the early spring (leaving behind Julie's distaste for Winnipeg's infamous winters for another season); great conversations with her friend Jackie in Julie's summer garden and winter sunroom; a beer and a heart-to-heart with Fritz; and decades of friendship and travel adventures with Rosanne and Jan. Julie asked of her friends good questions, listened intently and was an excellent keeper of secrets and a 'vault' to close friends. She brought joy, laughter, debate, advice, adventure, and fun to many friends. They were a part of the family she made and loved them dearly.
Cancer, the thief that it is, robbed her of much over the last few years. Nevertheless, she fought valiantly each time with steadfast determination, courage, and dignity. She focused on health, strength, and quality of life. Ultimately, she won on her own terms.
Julie was Mum to Krista, Collin, and Shannon; Nana to Merlyn, London, Jack, Hartley, Saphira, Phoebe, and Parker; Mum-in-law to Paul and Tracy; former spouse and family to Phil, and his wife Liz, their daughter Alison and her family Dan and Thea; Sister to Sharon, Linda, Graham, and Brian; Sister-in-law to Connor and aunt and family to many others across Canada and the UK. She was a loved friend of so many and considered herself fortunate to have their company across so many decades. She thanked them all for their love, laughter and substantial support.
Sincere thank you to the HSC Cancer Care, St. Boniface Hospital, Palliative Care, among other teams – Julie was constantly grateful for and awed by your care, expertise, and thoughtfulness. Her family requests that anyone so inclined share a donation with the Canadian Cancer Society in Julie's memory and thank a healthcare worker.
Safe voyage Mum, clear skies ahead.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2026
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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The world has lost a true 'angel' but heaven gained one. To the family, she will be watching over you and my condolences for your loss. She was truly an amazing women - I am beyond grateful for the time I got to spend with her, the opportunities she gave to me (She gave me a chance that no one else seemed to want to), and the things she taught me. Julie will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Angela (Coworker) on: Mar 09, 2026
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I knew Julie when we were young women related by marriage, Life has a way of interrupting relationships because of moves miles apart. I was so glad to have a renewal of our relationship when we were asked to do floral arrangements for a family wedding. We spent a few hours together, in a warm fall day, sharing many memories while we created, what we thought , were stunning masterpieces. It closed a loop and we were once again young girls, sharing a few laughs, God speed Julie. You will be missed by many. - Posted by: Lesley Knight (form) on: Mar 07, 2026
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I was very fortunate to travel through 5 South East countries with Julie, satisfying one of our long time dreams. Her inquiring mind resulted in many questions to Guides and local people about her favourite field, political history and current situations. Her sincere, intelligent engagement was greatly appreciated by the various respondents. Julie, diligently, took photos and skillfully recorded in an on-line journal the happenings of the days. On one airport’s tarmac, she was tempted to take a photo of the military but we shared “a look” and she wisely decided to let that one go and not enter the day’s recordings. We had a few nervous giggles thinking of what might have occurred without the 2nd thought. I learned and shared a lot with Julie over many conversations, enjoying a beer and her insights. I miss her, there’s a special ‘Julie Place’ in my heart. - Posted by: Kate Byman (Friend) on: Mar 07, 2026
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Julie was a delightful woman, brilliant, accomplished, and tenacious in character. She could read people with such laser perception, and did not tolerate incompetence on any level. We shared a love of all things British, particularly films and theatre, and she had the most wicked sense of humour. Since moving to Vancouver Island, I knew that she was battling cancer, but I am so very shocked and saddened that it has taken her. My deepest condolences to her family, and may her memory be a blessing and a comfort. - Posted by: Enid Barnes (friend) on: Mar 07, 2026
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Julie was a very special friend we shared many a story about our Englishness and the bizarre British sense of humour She will be missed , - Posted by: ann rallison (Friend) on: Mar 07, 2026
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Julie was a large part of my teen and early adult years. She was a sweet friend, part of a group of my friends, Carol, Joyce, and Heather. She and Phil were the first in our group to have their own apartment and we hung out there a lot, admiring Krista and enjoying Phil and Julie's hospitality. Later we visited with them in St Adolphe after that monumental job of building their own house. We saw them through good and difficult times and I lost contact with them as our children took up more and more time. I reconnected with Julie in the early 2000s as she, Heather, Judy and I spent a weekend at my cottage by Lake Winnipeg. Julie came in a convertible car which we drove around in, even though it was raining. I have only fond memories of her friendship, her spirit, her thinking and her great English accent. Condolences to her family, her children, Phil, and her many many friends. - Posted by: Claire Sutton (friend) on: Mar 07, 2026