Well-known advocate, volunteer Dionne Warner dies

A Regina woman who inspired many with the story of her eight winning bouts with cancer has passed away.

Dionne Warner was 55 years old and dealing with a ninth cancer diagnosis when she died Monday.

Her obituary, which says it was written by her and her husband, said it would be incorrect to say that she lost her battle with cancer.

“Like a hockey player scoring three hat-tricks in a game, who would even care what team won, when the focus would most definitely be on that single player’s incredible performance,” read the obituary.

The obituary called her an undisputed superstar, and said she lived life to the fullest with no regrets, “and usually at 100 (miles per hour) it seemed.”

A book was written about Warner’s journey back when she only had seven wins against cancer under her belt; it became a Canadian bestseller.

“Over the years, D inspired thousands and every single interaction with a fellow survivor or caregiver of a cancer patient, emotionally touched and inspired D as well,” said the obituary.

The obituary talks about her experiences in and around cancer, but also about her love of shopping, travel and dancing.

“D’s love of dancing will forever be captured in the appropriate disco ball urns that we had designed and made for her, a few years ago,” read the notice.

Warner was recognized for her work several times over the years. In 2010, for her volunteer work at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, she was awarded the Community Leadership and Enhancement, Woman of Distinction award.

She was named one of 32 International Heroes of Hope by the American Cancer Society in 2011, and she was named one of 25 Heritage Heroes by the Look Good Feel Better Cancer program in 2017.

Instead of flowers, the obituary asks people to do something nice for a stranger or to do something extra special for someone who may not be expecting it.