Obituaries

DAPHNE ELLEN CANN
(nee SMITH)

It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Daphne Ellen Cann, a devoted wife, mother, sister, nurse,  friend, coworker, who passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:36 a.m. at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, surrounded by love and compassion. Daphne faced a short but courageous battle with inoperable throat cancer, an illness she chose to bear privately. She was 78 years old.

Daphne was born Daphne Ellen Smith on February 27, 1947, in Orillia, Ontario. She was born and raised in Ontario, spending her early childhood in Coldwater, before moving to Orillia, then moving to Elliot Lake where she spent her teenage years and graduated from Elliot Lake High School. After graduating from high school, Daphne returned to Orillia to pursue her calling in nursing at the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1969.

Her nursing career began in the nursery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, but it wasn’t long before she discovered her true professional home in the Emergency Department when she relocated back to Orillia. Daphne’s career in emergency nursing would span more than three decades, taking her across three provinces — Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — and into the hearts of countless patients and colleagues.

Her longest and most impactful tenure was at Misericordia General Hospital in Winnipeg, where she worked in the Emergency Room/Urgent Care for 25 years until her retirement in 2001. Daphne was the epitome of what it means to care for others — often putting patients, coworkers, and family ahead of herself. Her toughness, steady hand, and quick wit made her a natural fit for the emergency setting.

In 1973, Daphne met the love of her life, Ronald (Ron) Cann, while she was living in Orillia. Ron had recently moved from Winnipeg to Toronto, and after a whirlwind two-month romance, they were married on January 26, 1974. Together, they lived in Toronto, then Regina, and finally made their home in Winnipeg in 1976, where they raised their two sons, Sean (born in 1979) and Brett (born in 1980), in the Charleswood community in Winnipeg.

Being a mother was one of Daphne’s greatest joys. She poured her love, energy, and fierce protective nature into raising her sons, always putting family first. She was the kind of mom who cheered loudest, gave the best hugs, and wasn’t afraid to fight for her kids — with the strength of a lion and a heart fiercely loyal to those she loved.

Daphne had a fiery redhead spirit, a sharp tongue, and a wicked sense of humor as bold as her opinions. She had an appreciation for multiple types of humour, but had a special affinity for British humour. If you told her an especially raunchy joke, through her infectious laugh, she would shake her head and say, “you’re bad” while continuing to laugh.

She was famously stubborn, full of grit, and loved to tell stories — even if you’d heard them before, she’d tell them like it was the first time. If she had your back, you had a Pitbull on your side – one who would fight for you, protect you, and say the things you couldn’t. She had no problem sticking three fingers up and telling you to “read between the lines.” Always with a mischievous grin.

She was a woman of deep compassion and generosity, known to quietly give money to strangers in need or take time to talk to anyone she encountered — whether it was an employee at the local store, a server at a restaurant, a neighbor, or a friend of a friend. She treated everyone like they mattered. Her genuine kindness and warmth made people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Beyond her nursing career, Daphne gave back in other ways, including many years spent volunteering and coordinating canvassing efforts for the Canadian Cancer Society — a cause especially close to her heart.

Daphne was also a devoted sports fan, following the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with equal parts frustration and loyalty. Though not a die-hard hockey fan herself, she followed the Winnipeg Jets faithfully – not for the love of the team, but because it was something that brought her two sons together and she wanted to be part of that bond.

Daphne found great joy in travel — especially returning to Ontario to visit family and friends — the undoubtable highlight of her travels was going to London, Amsterdam, and Paris on a trip with her husband Ron.

Her final days reflected her resilient spirit. Even when weak from illness, Daphne insisted on going out grocery shopping — determined to remain independent and to keep taking care of her family in any way she could. She lived in service to those she loved, and that selfless spirit never faded.

Daphne kept close ties with friends throughout every chapter of her life — from childhood to nursing school, from neighbors to coworkers — and treasured those lifelong relationships deeply.

Daphne is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Ronald Cann; her two sons, Sean (Crystal) and Brett; her sister, Beverly Bell; several nieces, a nephew, and three grandnieces; and her cherished dog, Frankie, who never left her side. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Margaret.

She was, in every sense, one of a kind — a woman who lived on her own terms, loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and left an indelible mark on every life she touched.

On the day of her passing, the world became forever darker as it lost a true original and will be terribly missed by all she touched throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a donation to the charity of their choice or to St. Mary Anglican Church.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:00pm, St Mary Anglican Church, 3830 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3R 0E4.