Kerina “Kiwi” Chartier

Obituary

Kerina Reanne Marie Chartier, affectionately known as Kiwi, was a beacon of light and laughter in the lives of everyone she touched. Born on May 10, 1991, in the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, she embraced the world with open arms and a mischievous twinkle in her eye that hinted at the joy she would spread throughout her life. Sadly, Kiwi’s vibrant journey came to an end on February 26, 2026, in the same city that witnessed her first breath, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Kiwi’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Nicole Chartier, and though her marriage to Freddy Almonte de Jesus didn’t stand the test of time, their shared memories remained a cherished chapter of her story. Though her grandparents, Emilien and Emerence, have predeceased her, their legacy of humor and resilience undoubtedly lived on through Kiwi’s sparkling eyes and ready smile. She was the beloved niece to her aunts and uncles – Anna (Luis), Aurore, Denise, David, Antoine (Terra-Lynn), Colette (Donald), and Gerald (DeeZell) – and the cherished cousin to Irene (Sergio), Alvaro (Laura), Raul, Eric, Reba (Andy), Danica, Colin, Beauden, Aunika, Benton, Landon, and Branson, who will all miss her dearly.

Kiwi’s educational journey began at Ecole Taché and progressed to Collège Louis-Riel. She was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and the Military Pipe Band, where she honed her skills in marching to the beat of her own drum, quite literally. Her early involvement with the Navy League Cadet Corps JRK Millen set her on a course for leadership and service, qualities she carried into her adult life.

Her professional and volunteer work were interwoven with the fabric of Grand Rapids, Manitoba, where she left an indelible mark. As a teacher, coach, and eventually the Fire Chief and Arena Manager, Kiwi was the heart of the town. She coached with passion, refereed volleyball with fairness, and when Maytahway Days and Winterfest came around, she was the soul of the festivities.

Kiwi’s life was a symphony of service, laughter, and spaghetti – yes, spaghetti. Her love for Tim Horton’s peach drink and a large double-double coffee was only rivaled by her passion for video games, especially Call of Duty. She glided through life with the grace of a skater and the strength of her beloved new RAM truck. If loyalty had a face, it would be that of her dog, Puppy, her ever-present sidekick. And let’s not forget her fervent support for the Montreal Canadiens – her cheer could raise the roof!

Kiwi’s knack for keeping kids active and engaged was no small feat. Like a pied piper of positivity, she could often be found surrounded by a merry band of youngsters, all eager to partake in whatever fun she had planned. Her sense of humor was her superpower, allowing her to connect with people of all ages and walks of life. Always the first to lend a helping hand, Kiwi’s generous spirit was as legendary as her quick wit.

Her advice was like a spoonful of sugar – sometimes hard to swallow, but always sweetened with care. Kiwi was the epitome of the friend who stayed until the very end, ensuring everything was set for the next day, the last to leave, and the first to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement. She was a force of nature, a whirlwind of good vibes, and a comedian who didn’t need a stage to bring down the house with laughter.

As we bid farewell to Kerina “Kiwi” Chartier, let’s honor her memory by living as she did – with hearts full of love, bellies aching from laughter, and hands always extended in friendship. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains a guiding light, a reminder to find humor in the everyday and to approach life with the same fearless tenacity of a firefighter charging into the fray.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at the MCN Ininiwikamihk Cultural Centre in Grand Rapids at 2:00 P.M. (Address: 1041 Highway 6). Join us to commemorate a life well-lived.

Goodbye, Kiwi – you were truly one of a kind, and you will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.