Sarah Rebecca Loeppky (nee Duke)

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts and much love that we share the passing of our mom, Sarah Rebecca Loeppky, age 83, of Dugald, Manitoba. Mom passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, surrounded by her family at East Gate Lodge in Beausejour, Manitoba.

Mom leaves behind her two sons, Rick (Diana) and Dennis (Hessie), and her much-loved grandchildren, Riley and Isaac.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Ron; her brothers, James and Wayne; her sister, Margret; and her parents, Leonard and Pearl.

Mom’s story began on May 16, 1943, in Spokane, Washington, where she was born and raised. She shared a special bond with her twin brother, Wayne, and grew up surrounded by family. Following in her own mother’s footsteps, Mom became a Registered Nurse, beginning a career that would reflect one of her greatest gifts – taking care of others. She worked as a nurse in Spokane and California before life took her in a completely different direction.

As fate would have it, a chance meeting in Penticton, British Columbia, brought Mom and Dad together. After some extensive wooing on Dad’s part, he managed to convince this American girl to marry her Canadian man. They were married in Spokane in 1969, and shortly afterward, Dad whisked Mom away to Gillam, Manitoba.

Now, for a girl from Spokane who had also spent time in sunny California, moving to northern Manitoba was quite the culture shock! But that was Mom. She could make the best of just about any situation, and before long, she had settled in and made Gillam home. Mom and Dad eventually moved to Lockport, Manitoba, where they continued to build their life together and raise their family.

Throughout the years, Mom continued her nursing career, working in home care and personal care homes. She had a natural ability to care for people, and nursing was so much more than just a job to her. She genuinely cared about the people around her, and that compassion didn’t end when she retired. Whether it was family, friends, or someone who simply needed a little help, Mom always had a caring heart.

Mom also knew how to enjoy life. She had a wonderful zest for living, loved a good adventure, and certainly wasn’t one to sit around and let life pass her by. Through her involvement with the Red Hat Ladies and TOPS, she enjoyed many outings, plenty of laughs, and made lifelong friendships. These groups brought her so much happiness, and the friendships she made were something she truly treasured.

Of all the things that brought Mom happiness, nothing compared to the love she had for her grandchildren, Riley and Isaac. They truly were her pride and joy, and she loved them with every ounce of her being. Being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She was endlessly proud of them, cherished every moment spent together, and always wanted to know what was happening in their lives. Her love for them was fierce, unconditional, and knew no bounds. There was never any doubt about just how much those two boys meant to her. They held an incredibly special place in her heart, and the love she had for them will always be a part of their lives.

Mom embraced life with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. From leaving her home in Washington to starting a new life in northern Manitoba, to the many friendships and adventures along the way, she made a life filled with memories.

To us, she was simply Mom. She was someone who cared deeply, loved her family, and showed us the importance of kindness, compassion, and making the most of life. We will miss her presence, her stories, and all the little things that made her who she was.

While our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we had with her, the memories we will carry, and the love she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with ash interment to follow at the Hiebert Heritage Cemetery.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Beausejour Hospital and East Gate Lodge, especially the wonderful nurses and staff on the Rose Unit. Your kindness, love, patience, and compassion meant more to Mom and our family than words can express. Knowing she was surrounded by such caring people brought us great comfort, and we will always be grateful.

We love you, Mom. Thank you for the love, the memories, and the life you shared with us. You will be forever missed and always in our hearts.