Anne Durston

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anne (Henrietta Elizabeth) Durston (nee Catton) on Sunday, July 27, 2025, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 23, 1947, in Lanchester, England, Anne immigrated to Canada with her parents that same year.  Over the course of the next few years, Anne experienced life as an Air Force “brat”, moving with her parents and sister Lynne to various locations throughout Canada and Europe.

Eventually settling in Portage la Prairie, Anne attended Portage Collegiate Institute before moving on to the Business Administration program at Success College in Winnipeg.  Anne considered Portage la Prairie to be her hometown, where she made numerous lifelong friends, many of whom she considered family.

In 1965 she married Bill Nichol, and they went on to have 3 children – Lisa (1968), Samantha (1976) and Todd (1977).  After living in both Portage and Sidney BC, Anne and Bill relocated to Dauphin in 1985 where she resided for the rest of her life.  Anne worked for many years for Service Canada in both Portage la Prairie and Dauphin, where she developed enduring friendships with her coworkers.

In 1998 Anne met Keith Durston, and after marrying in 2000 they shared many experiences and happy memories together, including opening and running a successful business together in 2001.  They enjoyed many trips to the US to see Anne’s sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Tom Walsh, and attending Houston Texan games with them throughout the Country over the years.

Anne had a passion for helping others - volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the Parkland Humane Society, canvassing for The Cancer Society and The Heart and Stroke Foundation, as well as serving as Secretary for the Royal Canadian Legion Dauphin Branch 20 to name a few. 

She was an expert gardener, spending hours combing greenhouses with Keith every spring and making the most beautiful yard every summer.  She was a shameless animal lover, keeping all the birds and critters well fed and walking her beloved dog Roxy daily.

Anne had a knack for bringing people together and making them feel seen and appreciated.  She was a devoted, loving mother and was known for being the “neighborhood mom” hosting many dance lessons in her kitchen over the years.  She often said that if she’d known grandchildren were so much fun, she would have had them first.  She loved spending time with all her grandchildren and was so proud of each of them.  She was happiest when everyone was together.

Anne is predeceased by parents Henry and Wilma Catton, mother-in-law Eva Durston, and Brothers-in-law Darrel Durston and Blair Durston.  She is survived by her beloved husband Keith Durston, loving children Lisa Cobbe (Chad), Samantha Murray (Derrick), Todd Nichol (Cheryl) and stepson Tyler Durston (Bridie), as well as cherished grandchildren Peyton Cochrane (Nick), Laine Cobbe (Mike Tarleton), Sydney Cobbe, Rylan Murray, Lucas Fjeldsted, Jensen Murray, Taylor Nichol, Owen Fjeldsted, Marti Nichol, Joel Nichol, Felix, Lola, Mabel and Josie Durston, devoted sister Lynne Walsh (Tom) brothers-in-law Kevin Durston and Lyle Durston, and sister in law Arla Lopez (Jose).

The family hosted a Come and Go Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the Royal Canadian Legion Dauphin Branch 20 from 2-5 pm.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Anne may be made to the Parkland Humane Society.

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