Alisa Ramrattan obituary and death: A Trailblazing Public Servant, Devoted Wife, and Beloved Friend Passes Away at 48 in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Alisa Ramrattan: A Trailblazing Public Servant, Devoted Wife, and Beloved Friend Passes Away at 48 in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB — Alisa Ramrattan, a celebrated public servant, cherished wife, loving stepmother, and proud advocate of her West Indian heritage, passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 48. Alisa leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of compassion, leadership, and creativity that profoundly touched her family, friends, colleagues, and community. Her passing marks the end of a luminous life, but her memory continues to inspire those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her wife, Christine; stepsons Michael and Matthew; her mother, Dianne; her brother, Ric (Sue); and an extended family that she held dear. Her father, Bob Ramrattan, preceded her in death.
A celebration of Alisa’s remarkable life will take place on November 27, 2024, at Alloway Hall in the Manitoba Museum, a fitting venue reflecting her deep love for history and storytelling.
A Life of Curiosity and Creativity
Born in Winnipeg, Alisa spent her formative years between her birthplace and Kamloops, British Columbia, before her family returned to Manitoba. Her childhood was filled with imagination and ambition. Those who knew her in her early years recall a vivacious and curious child who was always inventing stories and pushing creative boundaries.
A Childhood Filled with Stories
Even as a young girl, Alisa displayed an extraordinary talent for storytelling. Whether crafting plays for her friends to perform or negotiating with teachers to create short films instead of traditional essays, her innovative spirit was evident. Friends from her days at Robert Browning, Sansome, and Westwood schools affectionately nicknamed her “Aluna-Tuna,” a moniker that stuck for decades.
Musical Passions
Her eclectic musical tastes spanned genres and generations. From the pop melodies of Tiffany and Taylor Swift to the theatrical compositions of Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, Alisa found joy in both listening and performing. A gifted saxophonist, she was a proud member of the whimsically named “Royal Winnipeg Porn Orchestra,” a detail that never failed to bring laughter when shared with new acquaintances.
The Scholar and History Enthusiast
Alisa’s intellectual curiosity led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Winnipeg. Her studies reflected her insatiable interest in research and learning. Alisa became an avid reader of historical narratives and unique stories, subscribing to archival resources such as Newspapers.com to dive into the past.
A Love for Local History
One of Alisa’s favorite anecdotes involved her great-grandfather, who journeyed to Winnipeg on the Countess of Dufferin train. This familial connection to history inspired her to encourage others to visit the historic locomotive at Winnipeg’s Train Museum. Her enthusiasm for preserving history was infectious, and she delighted in sharing her knowledge with family and friends.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Alisa began her illustrious career with the Manitoba government as a STEP student at 19. Over nearly three decades, she held various positions across multiple portfolios, culminating in her role as Assistant Deputy Minister of Public Health.
Trailblazer for Women of Color
Throughout her career, Alisa broke barriers as one of the few women of color in government leadership roles. She co-founded the Young Professionals Network, mentored emerging leaders, and championed diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her efforts to support Indigenous communities, particularly her instrumental role in the negotiations that established Canadian Kraft Paper in The Pas, were among her proudest achievements.
A Collaborative Leader
Known for her engaging and creative leadership style, Alisa made work both productive and enjoyable for her teams. From distributing stickers and fancy pens to organizing field trips and site visits, she found innovative ways to motivate her employees. Her travels to Northern Manitoba, often in her signature Blundstone steel-toed boots, were filled with memorable interactions and meaningful contributions.
A Devoted Family Member
Alisa’s professional accomplishments were matched by her dedication to her family.
Her Loving Marriage to Christine
Alisa and Christine met through business, and their shared passions formed the foundation of a loving partnership. Alisa often described Christine as her “favorite conflict of interest.” Together, they embarked on road trips to remote Manitoba towns, exploring quirky museums and uncovering fascinating stories. Their “creative adventures” were as much about deepening their bond as they were about pursuing artistic and intellectual interests.
Cherished Stepmother
As a stepmother to Michael and Matthew, Alisa embraced her role with enthusiasm and love. She was the “fun mom,” organizing water fights, planning road trips, and sharing the boys’ passion for vehicles. Her knack for finding the perfect gift earned her legendary status within the family.
A Woman of Heart and Humor
Alisa’s home was often filled with rescued pets, each with its own story of resilience. She had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly her “soulmate dog,” Maisey. Her connection with Maisey was profound, and she continued to grieve the loss deeply.
A Proud West Indian Heritage
Alisa’s pride in her West Indian roots was evident in her vibrant cooking and spirited family debates. She loved preparing traditional feasts with her mother, Dianne, and exchanging lively political opinions with her father, Bob. Her close relationship with her brother, Ric, who affectionately called her “Wiz,” was a source of joy and support throughout her life.
A Life Worth Celebrating
Alisa’s passing has left an indelible void in the lives of those who knew her. Her vibrant personality, unwavering curiosity, and compassionate leadership left an extraordinary legacy.
The upcoming Celebration of Life at the Manitoba Museum is a testament to her love for storytelling and history. The event will feature memories shared by loved ones, a tribute to her professional accomplishments, and an acknowledgment of the joy she brought into the lives of so many.
Continuing Alisa’s Legacy
In the words of her family, “Alisa was a Leo who shone like the sun in everything she did.” While her absence is deeply felt, her impact endures through the lives she touched and the lessons she imparted. Whether through her contributions to public service, her devotion to family, or her infectious zest for life, Alisa Ramrattan’s memory will continue to inspire for generations to come.
For those who wish to honor her, donations can be made to local museums or animal rescue organizations, causes that were dear to Alisa’s heart.
