Obituary of Deanne Alice Taves

Deanne (Deanna) Alice Taves was born on January 9, 1941 in Swift Current Saskatchewan. She passed away peacefully at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg on May 10, 2025. Deanna was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend and her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Born to Katherine and Frank Enns, she was a war-baby, entering the world during a time of great uncertainty. She was named after Deanna Durbin, a Canadian-born actress and singer who later settled in France and appeared in musical films in the 1930's and 40's.

Deanna's early years were marked by adventure and hardship. Her father owned a small Texaco gas station in Swift Current, her memory of that time consists of shimmying up to the big red star dangling dangerously at the top while friends dared her to jump.

In her early years, Deanna's father Frank had a brief stint as a bootlegger. This gained the family some notoriety and resulted in a bit of trouble for Frank. After two brief jail terms and stiff fines, the family packed the 7 kids into their tiny red Chevy and headed to Alberta. After 7 months, the family was back on the road again. This time Frank bought a tiny house on an endless prairie in New Bothwell, only to move on again after luckily getting their deposit back. Two weeks later the family packed up the Chevy yet again - this time to "the sticks" - a village near Grunthal Manitoba.

The five years spent in Grunthal were a children’s fantasy. Deanna and her siblings saw themselves as explorers, no less than Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. A nearby ranch house, owned by an eccentric Englishman, became their favorite hangout complete with a meandering riverbed and crystal clear swimming hole. There they enjoyed campfires, sleigh rides, and teaching themselves how to swim. Life in Grunthal was an idyllic period that ended when the family packed up the car again and moved to Steinbach. Steinbach was a modern town compared to their previous living conditions and a bit of a culture shock with its large school, numerous churches, nice clothes and flush toilets!

When Deanna was a young girl she also spent many wonder-filled days with her best friend Helen. She remembers fondly when one day Helen's sister surprised them with a gift. Helen's sister had hand-sewn two beautiful matching dresses made with the most exquisite lace. Deanna remembers how she spun around in joy, imagining herself as a beautiful princess.

When Deanna was around 16 years old, she moved to Winnipeg and lived with her older sister Eileen. Deanna had managed to obtain a grade 10 education which she funded herself due to the family's financial constraints. Despite the educational drawback, Deanna managed to secure a job for herself at the Royal Bank of Canada. At first the bank wasn't willing to take a chance on this young inexperienced girl from Steinbach, but Deanna's determination to prove herself paid off and she got the job.  A year later, she announced to her employer that she was engaged to be married (to Earl Taves) and had to return to Steinbach to save money for the next phase of her life. When she handed in her resignation the Royal Bank was very sad to see her go and practically begged her to stay!

When Deanna returned to Steinbach she secured a job at a law firm with Gordon Barkman where she became an integral part of the office. Throughout the years she worked as an office manager and recruiter for various politicians including Bob Banman and Helmut Pankratz. Deanna and Earl enjoyed a rich social life in Steinbach and hosted many bonfires and sing-alongs.

When her children, Robyn, Kiersten and Erin were in school, Deanna found time to volunteer her services and skills to the community. She worked with children who had special needs, helping them to ambulate their stiff limbs by performing manual exercises to keep their circulation going.  Deanna also volunteered at a woman's abuse shelter and was eventually asked to join the board of directors. Later on when her adult children had left home, a local woman convinced Deanna to volunteer as a tour guide at the Manitoba Mennonite Museum. Deanna had to become a quick study of Mennonite history and dress and play the role of an early settler. Like her namesake, Deanna Durbin, she used her acting skills to memorize a script and learn the history enough to answer questions from all kinds of visitors including busloads of school children.

When Deanna was in her late 40s she challenged herself by joining a martial arts class that was run by the chef at the local high school. She worked very hard and obtained her yellow belt!

Later, Deanna entered the University of Manitoba as a mature student and took a creative writing and sociology course. Deanna had always enjoyed writing and was a deep thinker. In her yearbook it’s quoted “ Someday you’ll pick a “best seller” off the shelves and find the author to be Deanna Enns, if she has not changed her name. She has the vocabulary and the ambition to be a good writer”.  Deanna had that writer’s mind, the kind of mind that is observant and curious about people, places, and things.

Deanna seemed to be ahead of her time, although she lacked an appetite for organized religion, she had a keen interest in spirituality including esoteric teachings like A Course in Miracles and Ram Dass; at a time when these kind of esoteric teachings were hardly mainstream.  

After the loss of her beloved husband Earl in 2003 Deanna faced new challenges with grit and determination. There were many difficult times and her health slowly deteriorated. However, she maintained a feisty disposition and keen sense of humor right up until her last days at Middlechurch. She was well liked by the staff and was treated like family. We are forever grateful for the kindness and respect she was afforded in her remaining years.

Deanna will be deeply missed by her children, her grandchildren, her remaining siblings Leonard Enns (Irene), Eileen Parker and Clara Leddy as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, especially Tiffany and her husband Marty.

Rest in peace Deanna and know that you are deeply loved and cherished.