Winnipeg, MB – April 15, 2025 — The Manitoba education community is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved and dedicated figures. Darlene Gerrior, a long-serving educator, guidance counsellor, and Vice-Chair of the Louis Riel School Division, passed away on April 15, leaving behind a powerful legacy of compassion, leadership, and tireless advocacy for students and teachers alike.
For over 40 years, Darlene was a cornerstone of education in Manitoba. Her journey began in the same community where it ended—with the people of St. Boniface and St. Vital. A graduate of Pierre Radisson Collegiate and the University of Manitoba, she built a career anchored in deep local roots and a lifelong commitment to learning. She earned multiple degrees in education, and from there, poured her heart into every role she took on, from classroom teacher to divisional student services coordinator.
More than an educator, Darlene was a mentor, a guide, and a passionate voice for inclusive education. Her recent role as a counselling practicum supervisor at the University of Winnipeg allowed her to support and shape the next generation of educators—an opportunity she embraced with grace and purpose. Her students and colleagues remember her not just for her professional wisdom, but for the genuine care she brought into every interaction.
Outside the classroom, Darlene’s voice carried weight in educational and community policy. She lent her time and expertise to numerous boards and advisory councils, including the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba, and advocacy organizations focused on behavioral disorders and Indigenous communities. As a school trustee and Vice-Chair of the Louis Riel School Division, she led with humility and strength, always advocating for safe, equitable, and high-quality education.
She was also deeply involved with the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA), serving as their representative on the Student Services and Inclusive Education Committee. MSBA President Alan M. Campbell paid tribute to her enduring impact, describing Darlene as a “respected voice in the Manitoba education community” and someone whose “contributions and passion for safe and welcoming schools will be missed by many.”
Darlene was never one to seek the spotlight. Instead, she focused on making sure every student had the support they needed to thrive. Her guiding belief—that all learners deserve access to a high-quality education—shaped the decisions she made and the values she upheld. Her leadership was always rooted in dialogue, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.
Her passing is a tremendous loss, not only to the Louis Riel School Division and the University of Winnipeg but to the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life. Darlene Gerrior will be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, and the unwavering belief that education can and should uplift everyone.
Information on public tributes and memorial services will be shared by the Louis Riel School Division at www.lrsd.net.
