Surrounded by her family, we announce the passing of our daughter, mother, sister, auntie, niece, cousin and friend, Diana. After a long battle of illness passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 1:27 p.m. at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 34 years old.
Diana was born to Miranda and Garry McKay Sr. on July 5, 1991 in Thompson, Manitoba. Diana made a delayed entrance into the world, born approximately 2 weeks past her original due date. Miranda and Garry Sr. were both very anxious to meet their baby girl, who would be their first-born child. After lengthy debates on what to name their special girl, Garry Sr. decided that Diana would be a perfect name. Named in part and reference of Princess Diana, a casual nickname used later in her life.
Diana grew up in Misipawistik Cree Nation and lived in the community for much of her life. Diana spent a significant amount of time with her grandparents, Beatrice and Russell Scott in her childhood years which fostered a love for wild meats and gospel singing. Playing guitar and singing with her grandpa brought immense joy to her childhood.
As Diana grew, she attended Grand Rapids School, she was shy a few credits of graduating with her diploma. Diana attended and received her Certificate of Completion of two separate life skills courses run within the community. Diana held an infinity for health care services and branched out towards a Health Care Aid program offered within the community. Passing a certified knowledge exam Diana was unfortunately denied further support in moving forward in the program.
Diana worked at various jobs within and around the community. Her last place of employment was being the operating manager at Heffy’s restaurant, before her departure to Winnipeg, Manitoba to receive life sustaining treatment for end stage renal failure in 2022. Diana was a renal dialysis patient for 3 years and 2 months and during that time she lived in various hotels and receiving homes in Winnipeg, meeting and connecting with people from all walks of life.
In her early twenties, Diana became pregnant with her first child Alianna McKay (10), born December 18, 2015. Diana was very nervous and excited for the arrival of her baby girl. After spending two years together as a duo, Diana became pregnant with her second child Russell McKay (7), born March 28, 2018 and just like that they became a trio. Diana was ecstatic to have her baby boy, she spent those short years with her children at home raising and instilling a joy and kindness within their spirits, that continues to shine bright.
We want to express our greatest of gratitude’s to those individuals who Diana greatly considered her family. Mathew Munroe, James McKay, Kneesa Maud and Lara Young; who were Diana’s brothers and sisters. Mathew’s daughters, Bella Munroe and Delaney Paul, who were like Diana’s own girls. Charmaine McKay, godmother of Diana’s children. Thompson and Doreen Young, who Diana called mom and dad.
Diana was a fascinating soul, a multifaceted person and everyone that she encountered saw a side of her that was hidden to someone else. Diana loved her children Alianna and Russell very much and they all longed to be together. Diana will be greatly missed.
Diana was predeceased by her grandfather Russell Scott; grandmother and grandfather, Verna and Garry McKay; great-grandparents, Gordon and Bella Pranteau; uncle Gerald Karol and cousin, Cole Karol.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her beloved children, Alianna and Russell; her mother Miranda McKay; her father Garry Sr.; her sister Valentina and brother Garry Jr.; her grandmother Beatrice Scott; along with her aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and all the lives she touched.
Wake Services: Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the family residence in Grand Rapids (Hearse will be arriving at 3:00 p.m.) and on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the MCN Ininiwikamihk Cultural Centre, Grand Rapids, Manitoba.
Funeral Service: Monday, March 2, 2026, viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m., with service to follow at the MCN Ininiwikamihk Cultural Centre, Grand Rapids, Manitoba.
Officiant: Rev. Steve Martin
Interment: St. John's Anglican Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Manitoba
Pallbearers: Garry McKay Jr., Mathew Munroe, James McKay, Quinton Karol, Tristen Karol, Wayne Wavey, Raymond Mink, Ferris Hudson, Brad McKay and Bryce McKay
Honorary Pallbearers: All of her family and friends
Appreciation: All health care staff and service providers that assisted Diana on her health journey; TCN Keekinow receiving home for always looking out for her best interests; St. Boniface Dialysis Unit; Bre Quantrill and Wayne Wavey, who took care of Diana during her remaining months on earth.
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