Darlene Rose Banin

August 6, 1941 - October 5, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Rose Banin, age 83 years, on Saturday October 5th, in Regina, Saskatchewan at the Pasqua Hospital surrounded by love.

Predeceased by husband Charles; her son Paul (Jeannine); parents Molly and Paul Pelletier. Left to mourn with fond and loving memories, her sons Jason (Maria), Sean (Janelle); their sister Chantalle (Brent). With numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and many extended family members.

Darlene was proudly raised by both of her Métis parents, in Lestock, Regina and Qu’Appelle. Finally settling in Regina. She was the youngest of a large family which consisted of 6 brothers and 4 sisters. They were raised to know the value of hard work and drew strength for their faith as devoted Roman Catholics. Her father was a Veteran of both World War 1 & 2. Her mother was a residential school survivor. Growing up she went to a small school and during her younger years was taught in a combined multi-grade classroom environment in a modest one room building. Throughout her life, education remained fundamental in her thirst for learning.

Meeting the love of her life, she married Charles Banin (Chuck). They were married over 50 years before his passing. Darlene & Chuck raised their 4 children in Regina. She was extremely proud of them and her 24 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren, she loved making memories with them all.

Darlene started out working her first job as a waitress. She then worked into a professional setting at Kauffman’s Furniture store as an accountant. Before receiving an invite to apply for a new program, at the time, called SUNTEP in Regina. Darlene worked as a care-aid working with seniors, at the Regina Lutheran home, her compassion was commended by all who she worked with and by the family’s she assisted. Next to being a mother, one of her proudest accomplishments was graduating from the SUNTEP program with a University Degree in Education. Immediately after graduating, she was hired as a schoolteacher at Sacred Heart School. Where she began her 23-year career & adventure of molding young minds, by encouraging them to explorer and learn about the world around them. In retirement, Darlene took on the role of mentor and continued visiting schools as a respect teacher and Metis Elder. At her beloved St. Cecilia Church, she also found time to teach Children’s Liturgy, sing in the choir, proclaim the word of scriptures and was part of the CWL for many years.

Darlene making the most out of life and sharing it with others, loved being part of the Michif culture. It was important to Darlene to pass on traditions and Metis teachings. Some examples were having us kids learn how to jig and square dance, teaching her students how to build a red river cart. She thoroughly enjoyed taking part in celebrations at Back to Batoche Days.

Being part of several committees, brought Darlene’s passion and her belief that all things are possible through faith and helping others to fruition. Via her advocacy work as a respected and distinguished Metis Elder, she impacted change for the homeless, MMIWG, Every Child Matters campaigns and enhancing pre-school curriculum to name just a few.

A special thank you as well as our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Pasqua ICU for being there for our Nana in her final days & hours. Your support was of great comfort to the family. We will remember you all as we grieve.

Darlene’s friends and family are welcome to a final farewell & a Celebration of Life, Prayers for Darlene will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Victoria Avenue Funeral Home, 2080 Victoria Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan. A Funeral Mass will occur Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church, 5020 7th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan. ** A Live-stream of the Service will be available at www.stcecregina.com **