Darlene Gerrior Obituary: Winnipeg, Manitoba – Longtime Louis Riel School Division Trustee Darlene Gerrior Dies at St. Boniface Hospital
Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 2025 – The Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Darlene Gerrior, a beloved educator, esteemed trustee, and longtime community advocate. Gerrior, who had served as Vice-Chair of the LRSD Board of Trustees, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was 68 years old.
Her death follows a period of medical leave that began in February 2025, during which she had been absent from Board meetings due to health concerns. Gerrior’s absence from the public eye had prompted an outpouring of concern from both colleagues and community members, who had been eagerly awaiting her return.
The news of her passing has left a significant void in the educational and community landscapes of Manitoba, with tributes pouring in from former students, staff, and friends, all of whom remember her not only as a passionate advocate for education but also as a kind and compassionate individual who dedicated her life to uplifting others.
A Lifetime of Dedication to Education and Community Service
Darlene Gerrior’s journey in education spanned several decades, beginning in the classroom and ultimately culminating in her distinguished role as a trustee for the Louis Riel School Division. Her career was marked by an unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and the community, with her work continuing to impact the lives of many even after her passing.
Gerrior’s career in education began with a long tenure as a teacher, where she nurtured and supported her students with unparalleled dedication. She was particularly known for her ability to inspire her students to dream big and achieve greatness, both academically and personally. Her colleagues recall her as someone who saw potential in every student and worked tirelessly to help them overcome obstacles, both inside and outside the classroom.
As an educator, Gerrior was deeply committed to the idea that schools should be places of safety, inclusivity, and growth. She consistently advocated for equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or personal challenges. Her strong belief in the transformative power of education was evident in every aspect of her work, and she took great pride in the success of her students, long after they had moved on from her classroom.
From Teacher to Trustee: A Natural Transition
After years in the classroom, Darlene transitioned into a new role—one that would allow her to make an even broader impact on the educational system. She was elected to the Louis Riel School Division Board of Trustees, where she continued her advocacy for students and teachers alike. Her transition from the classroom to the boardroom was a natural progression, as she brought with her the insights and perspectives of a seasoned educator.
As a trustee, Gerrior was a strong voice for educational equity, mental health supports for students, and the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments. She was known for her ability to advocate passionately for students who were often overlooked, particularly those from marginalized communities. Her leadership on the board was characterized by a deep sense of compassion, a clear vision, and a commitment to ensuring that every student received the support they needed to succeed.
Gerrior’s leadership style was characterized by a balance of empathy and conviction. She was known for her ability to listen to all sides of an issue before making decisions, always striving to ensure that her decisions were in the best interest of the students and families she served. At the same time, she was never afraid to speak up when she felt strongly about an issue, making her both a compassionate leader and a powerful advocate for change.
A Champion for Mental Health and Inclusivity
One of Darlene Gerrior’s most significant contributions during her time on the Louis Riel School Division Board was her tireless work in advocating for the mental health and well-being of students. She recognized the challenges many students faced outside of the classroom, including mental health struggles, and worked to ensure that the school division provided the necessary resources to support them.
Her advocacy for mental health services was closely tied to her broader commitment to inclusivity. Gerrior was a vocal supporter of programs and initiatives that promoted diversity and respect within schools. She believed that all students, regardless of their background, deserved to feel safe, valued, and respected within their school community. Her advocacy for inclusivity was instrumental in shaping the division’s policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion, and she worked closely with fellow trustees and staff to ensure these values were embedded in the division’s practices.
A Community Leader Beyond the Classroom
Beyond her role as a trustee, Darlene Gerrior was a prominent figure in the Winnipeg community. She was deeply involved in various local causes and was particularly passionate about supporting youth and marginalized groups. Gerrior’s commitment to her community extended beyond the school system, as she worked tirelessly to make Winnipeg a better place for everyone.
She was an active volunteer, often lending her time and expertise to local organizations that supported youth development, education, and social justice. Her belief in the power of education to transform lives extended beyond the classroom, and she was always looking for ways to give back to the community that had supported her throughout her career.
Gerrior was also a strong advocate for public education, speaking out on behalf of teachers, students, and parents. She was deeply invested in ensuring that schools were well-funded, well-resourced, and able to provide all students with a high-quality education. Her commitment to public education and her advocacy for the rights of educators made her a respected voice in the community and beyond.
A Legacy of Compassion, Dedication, and Leadership
Darlene Gerrior’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career in education and public service. Her legacy, however, will live on in the countless lives she touched throughout her career. Colleagues, students, and community members who knew her speak of her warm smile, her unwavering dedication, and her tireless commitment to improving the lives of others.
Superintendent Christian Michal of the Louis Riel School Division expressed heartfelt condolences to Gerrior’s family, calling her a “pillar of strength and a champion for education” whose loss would be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of working with her.
“Darlene was one of those rare individuals who could light up any room she entered,” Michal said. “She had a heart of gold and was never afraid to fight for what she believed in. Her passion for education and her commitment to the community were truly inspiring.”
Former colleagues and fellow trustees also paid tribute to Gerrior’s leadership and her ability to bring people together. “Darlene had an incredible ability to listen to others and make them feel heard,” said one trustee. “Her intelligence, compassion, and leadership made her a force to be reckoned with on the Board, but it was her kindness and integrity that made her beloved by all.”
The Impact of Darlene Gerrior’s Work
Darlene Gerrior’s work as a trustee and educator had a far-reaching impact on the Louis Riel School Division and the broader educational community in Manitoba. Her tireless efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, her advocacy for mental health resources, and her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments have left an indelible mark on the division’s policies and practices.
Her advocacy for mental health supports was particularly influential, helping to shape the division’s approach to student well-being. She was instrumental in securing funding for mental health services in schools and advocating for the integration of these services into the curriculum. Her work in this area helped to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in education and ensured that students had access to the resources they needed to thrive.
Honoring a Legacy
As the Louis Riel School Division and the wider Winnipeg community mourn the loss of Darlene Gerrior, her legacy will be celebrated through the continued work of those she inspired. Her commitment to education, inclusivity, and community service will continue to influence the division’s work for many years to come. The trustees, staff, students, and families who knew her will remember her not just for her leadership but for her unwavering dedication to making the world a better place, one student at a time.
A public memorial will be held in the coming weeks to honor Darlene Gerrior’s life and legacy. The family has requested that donations in her memory be made to local organizations that support youth education and mental health services, causes that were near and dear to her heart.
Darlene Gerrior’s passing is a profound loss to the Louis Riel School Division, the Winnipeg community, and all those whose lives she touched. But her spirit will live on through the many students she helped, the policies she shaped, and the community she so deeply loved and served.
