Our Story
About Woodlands Cemetery Association
Over 140 years of dedicated stewardship in the heart of Manitoba.
Over 140 years of dedicated stewardship in the heart of Manitoba.
Woodlands Cemetery stands as one of the oldest and most historically significant burial grounds in south-central Manitoba, with a history spanning more than 140 years.
The first recorded burial at Woodlands Cemetery took place in 1884, a testament to the enduring presence of this sacred site in the life of the Treherne community. Set amid the rural landscapes of the Rural Municipality of Norfolk-Treherne — a few kilometres east of the town of Treherne — the cemetery was formally established when the Association acquired the land in 1897.
In the decades that followed, the cemetery became the final resting place for the pioneering families who shaped the community of Treherne and the surrounding area. Early settlers, farmers, veterans, and community leaders from across south-central Manitoba are interred here, each headstone a story of a life lived on the Canadian prairies.
The 1996 publication "Carved in Stone: Manitoba Cemeteries and Burial Sites" by the Manitoba Genealogical Society documents Woodlands Cemetery as part of the rich tapestry of Manitoba's heritage burial grounds — a recognition of its historical significance to the province.
The Woodlands Cemetery Association exists to maintain and care for the Woodlands Cemetery located near Treherne, Manitoba. Its core purpose is the stewardship and preservation of a historic burial ground, offering a respectful final resting place for individuals in the local community.
The Association manages the cemetery grounds and upholds traditions that honour those interred there. Every decision made by the volunteer board — from seasonal maintenance planning to capital improvements — is guided by a commitment to dignity, preservation, and community service.
The geographic focus of the Woodlands Cemetery Association is firmly local. All activities and services centre on the Woodlands Cemetery site and the communities of the Rural Municipality of Norfolk-Treherne. The Association serves families not only from Treherne itself but from the surrounding rural communities who have connections to those buried within these grounds.
Every corner of Woodlands Cemetery is maintained to honor the dignity of those at rest and provide comfort to the families who visit.
Historical features, burial records, and the character of the cemetery grounds are carefully preserved for future generations.
As a volunteer-governed organization, the Association serves the Treherne community selflessly, supported entirely by donations and community goodwill.
The Woodlands Cemetery Association is governed by a dedicated volunteer board whose members give generously of their time, skills, and energy.
Under the leadership of President Glen Letts and with the coordination of Cathy Dilworth, the board oversees all aspects of cemetery operations — from budgeting and capital improvements to day-to-day maintenance and community engagement.
The volunteer board meets regularly to ensure the association operates transparently and responsibly. Decisions regarding improvements such as the installation of new gates and the construction of the 72-niche columbarium reflect the board's long-term vision for Woodlands Cemetery as a place that meets the evolving needs of the community.
The Association relies on the generosity of the Treherne community through donations and bequests, which fund ongoing maintenance and capital projects. These contributions, large and small, make it possible to maintain the cemetery to the high standard its history and the families it serves deserve.
Beyond its role as a burial ground, Woodlands Cemetery is home to several unique historical features that connect visitors to the past.
The Church Model Memorial: One of the most distinctive features of the Woodlands Cemetery is the small church model memorial — a charming replica that has stood on the grounds for generations, serving as a symbol of faith and community heritage. This beloved feature draws visitors who wish to connect with the site's religious and cultural history.
Memorial Plaques: Memorial plaques throughout the grounds commemorate significant individuals and events in the history of the Treherne community, offering visitors a tangible link to the past.
The Visitors' Book: A visitors' book is maintained at the cemetery, welcoming family members, genealogical researchers, and history enthusiasts who come to pay their respects or explore their heritage.
Commonwealth War Graves: Treherne (Woodlands) Cemetery contains the graves of individuals recognized by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission — a solemn reminder of the community's contribution and sacrifice during times of conflict.
