Balloon-release ceremony celebrates life of Melfort woman

By Cam Lee

It was a touching goodbye to a colleague lost to violence.

The staff at North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS) held a balloon-release ceremony Friday morning to honour Danielle Dobersheck, who was killed last weekend in Melfort.

NEOSS provides support for women impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence and Dobersheck worked at the Treehouse.

“Our NEOSS community feels the profound impact of her absence,” executive director Joan Bear told the crowd on hand for Friday’s ceremony. “Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.”

Bear said Dobersheck graced their lives with her boundless love and unwavering kindness.

“She was not only an exceptional daughter, a devoted mother, and a cherished friend, but also a beacon of light in our NEOSS family,” Bear said. “She dedicated herself to uplifting children at Treehouse with every shift that she worked.”

Dobersheck leaves behind a legacy of compassion and selflessness, said Bear, and sought to make the world a better place, one child at a time. She said Dobersheck’s spirit will live on in the hearts for anyone that knew her.

“May we find solace in the cherished moments we shared, and the legacy she leaves behind,” Bear said.

NEOSS board member Heather Wagner thanked everyone for giving kind thoughts and wishes to Dobersheck’s family and co-workers. She said they recognize the need to support all efforts toward ending domestic violence.

“Today is a day to remember her, think of all the kind things that she has done, and the support that she has provided to people,” Wagner said.

The crowd released green and purple balloons with white ribbons. Green was Dobersheck’s favourite colour, purple represents domestic violence awareness, and white is an anti-violence ribbon.

Dobersheck’s long-time partner, Cody Chubey, is charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death. He’s to return to court on April 4.

Dobersheck’s funeral was held on Thursday in Prince Albert. She leaves behind three children.