On Mother's Day, family members of a Winnipeg woman found dead on May 4 are planning a program to help others living with mental illness.

Janelle DePeazer's 60-year-old mother, Catherine Curtis, was admitted to Winnipeg's Grace Hospital with mental health issues on April 13. Twelve days later, on April 25, Curtis left on a hospital-approved unaccompanied walk and never returned.

Her body was found in Sturgeon Creek near Grace Hospital days later.

DePeazer says this Mother's Day is a difficult one, but she is using her feelings as motivation to help others.

"To help us in our time of grieving, it would make us feel great to help others that are dealing with mental health issues," she said.

DePeazer said her family reached out to the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to create a special program that will honour Curtis and be tailored around her interests and challenges.

"It was a no-brainer for us to be able to link up with them and speak with them about what we can do next … [to bring] all of our pain into a positive place where we can help others," she said.

"If people are interested in helping us in any way, we would like all of that help to go to [the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba]."

All money raised is going toward the program, which is in its early stages of development, according to DePeazer, who asks donations also be made in lieu of flowers at Curtis' funeral.

Those living in Winnipeg and its surrounding communities have shown the family tremendous support, according to DePeazer.

"And we thank them," she said.

"We continue to thank them; we continue to engage them about what we're going to be doing in honour of our mom."

For most communities, Curtis' story is one that is easy to relate to, DePeazer said.

"I think a lot of people have been touched by my mom's story because I know that one in three people are affected by mental health issues. … People recognize this could happen to anyone."

While DePeazer says she plans to follow up with Grace Hospital about her family's concerns regarding Curtis' death, on Mother's Day, her focus is Curtis' life.

"Today, we really want to remember her and recognize her," DePeazer said.

"The thing I most appreciate about my mom was she was completely devoted to her kids and was always there for us."

Going forward, DePeazer said she is considering how her mother's story can make a difference in the lives of others.

"We know we're not alone … We're excited to see how we can touch other people's lives and [help them] feel supported and safe … through their journey of mental illness."