Desirae Gonczy

Desirae Dorothy Lenni Gonczy
March 30, 1998 – December 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Desirae (Des) Gonczy, age 27. Des was a beloved daughter, mother, partner, sister auntie, cousin and friend.

Des leaves her memories with her partner Cody Wieczorkiewicz, and their children Tayen and Colt. She is also survived by her father Lyle Gonczy (Angie Gonczy), stepfather Ryan Hagen, sister Ashley, brothers, Devyn, Dylan, Brady and their partners. Des is remembered by her grandparents, Len and Dorothy MacDonald and her in-laws Alexa, Christy, and Zbig Wieczorkiewicz. Many cousins, nieces nephews, aunties and uncles and the best friends a girl could ever have.

Des was predeceased by her grandparents Gus (Gilbert) and Dorothy Gonczy, grandmother, Elizabeth MacDonald, and sadly, her mother, Pamela Hagen.

Des grew up a social butterfly, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and River East/Transcona were her stomping grounds. She attended Springfield Heights, John Henderson, TCI and graduated from River East Collegiate, where she met many friends and maintained strong relationships that lasted a lifetime.

After high school, Des felt a calling to support youth in the community. She attended Red River College and obtained her Child and Youth Care Worker diploma, as well as a second diploma in Social Innovation and Community Development. Des worked as a Youth Care Worker at Knowles Centre, and other group homes around the area, where her journey supporting youth began. She went full circle, and continued her career at River East Collegiate, where she herself graduated high school. Her ability to connect with the students at River East during her short career, and encourage them to pursue every dream, has left an impact that will go on within them. Des continued to be supported by many familiar staff, including her all-time favourite, Paul Anderson.

Des was a bright, dedicated young woman. Her greatest accomplishment was becoming a loving mother to Tayen and Colt. They are her pride and joy. Des loved and was deeply loved by her partner Cody Wieczorkiewicz, who is a devoted, and amazing father to both Tayen and Colt. From surprise Disney trips, to random road trips, “Cody always made it happen.” From the moment she met his  family, she fit right in and they also created many meaningful memories together.

Although only 27 at the time of her passing, Des touched so many lives in her short time here. Those who knew Des knew how kind and welcoming she was. Her laugh was contagious, and she could light up any room she walked into. Des had many best friends and was loved by all who encountered her.

Her Indigenous culture was important to her, and she loved learning, and sharing it with those who also wanted to learn. She was proudly given her spirit name, Dragonfly Woman, at a Sun Dance festival only a few years ago. Her spirit and teachings will be carried forward into her children and generations after.

Des loved spending time outdoors — relaxing around a campfire, swimming in Manitoba lakes, fishing, listening to country music, and watching prairie sunsets.

Unfortunately, Des has left us too soon, with many dreams and goals yet to be realized. She will be deeply missed. It gives us great comfort knowing Des is reunited with her mother Pam, whom she missed dearly.

Cremation has taken place, a celebration of her life will be held in the spring. Notice will follow.

Special thanks to the staff and team in the S.I.C.U at Health Sciences Center Winnipeg, for their exemplary support and care.

In lieu of flowers, a go fund me has been set up to assist the family with expenses and services. https://gofund.me/2a3e65db6

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