It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Diana Robertson of Victoria, BC on October 8, 2025, at home surrounded by her loved ones.
Diana is survived by her daughter, Sherry Robertson (Laurie Moore); sons Rodney Robertson (Ayumi Sekine) and Christopher Robertson (Lindsay MacDougall); brother David Cooper (Beverley Burns); sister Felicity Burton; grandchildren, Aya Robertson (Ben Gautier) and Lexa Robertson; her beloved Shih Tzu Molly, and many nieces and nephews. Diana is predeceased by her husband Dwight and her sister Faith Redmond (Winston).
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on December 24, 1944, Diana was the daughter of the late Captain Clyde Cooper and Frances (Braye) Cooper. Diana grew up in Coxheath, Cape Breton. During the 1950s and 1960s she was involved with Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) and President of Hi-Y, an affiliate of the YMCA. Graduating from the Cape Breton Business College in 1963, Diana began work with the Royal Bank of Canada where she met Dwight, her husband of 54 years. Royal Bank transfers took the couple to Halifax, Antigonish, back to Halifax and finally to Sydney where they settled in Diana’s childhood home.
Diana dedicated her life to raising her family. She was a wonderful mother, firmly yet tenderly supporting her children through the bumps and scrapes of childhood. She was patient, kind and gentle. There was no better mother in the world. Diana was so proud of her children and later her grandchildren.
During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s Diana was a member and recipient of a 25-year pin for service with the I.O.D.E Right Honorable Vincent Massey Chapter holding the office of Treasurer for a time. Diana was a long-time congregant of St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Coxheath.
Diana had a special fondness for animals, especially her golden retrievers: Ku, Te (pronounced Chay), and Ceilidhs, and finally Molly (pictured above with Diana). So talented was Diana that Te was Highest Scoring Dog in Trial at the Canadian Kennel Club Provincial Obedience Trials for three consecutive years from 1985-1987. Christmastime saw Diana transform Te into a reindeer for the Sydney Santa Claus parade. Diana loved Christmas, always making it joyous and brimming with magic for her children.
During her retirement years, Diana and Dwight enjoyed travelling and spending time fishing at Lake Ainslie and Lake O’Law. She was accomplished in all things culinary, taking pleasure in picking blueberries on Coxheath Mountain and making her famous pies.
After her husband passed in 2018, Diana moved to Victoria, BC to be near her daughter, Sherry. She loved her new home at Berwick Royal Oak where she made many dear friends. Diana lived a rich and full life enjoying long walks with Molly and nurturing her flower garden. She enjoyed many wonderful experiences with Sherry and her Victoria family including explorations of Vancouver Island to see the giant trees of Cathedral Grove; dancing to East Coast music on the boardwalks of Parksville; gatherings for holidays and celebrations over home cooked meals; many rounds of Mexican Train; bi-annual High Tea events overlooking Victoria’s inner harbour; too many ABBA concerts to count; numerous musicals; a concert from Granddaughter Aya and husband Ben for her 80th birthday; and annual Christmas concerts with the Barra MacNeils. There were many reciprocal visits with her sister Felicity and nieces Meredith, Holly, and Carolyn of Ottawa, and with her sons Rodney, Christopher and their families. Diana’s life was joyful.
Although shy, Diana had a depth and an inner kindness that drew people to her. She had a gentle disposition, and her quick wit always left those who knew her with a smile and a warm glow. She would often quote her father, “Always leave them laughing” and she did. She was courageous to the end, savouring the last hours of her life, cracking jokes and singing with loved ones. Her granddaughter, sweet Lexa captured our sentiments best, writing to her, “Nana, I wish I could see you one more time.” Diana loved well and was dearly loved in return.
We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Ryan Liebscher, of Shoreline Medical Clinic Brentwood Bay, BC for his outstanding and tender care.
A grave side service and celebration of life will take place for close family and friends at a later date. If you wish, donations in her honour can be made to your local SPCA, or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Robertson” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
14 Responses
Diana was a very special woman. Although I didn’t get to spend as much time with her as I would have liked, I will fondly remember game night with Diana as my partner and all her help as we were getting my sister moved. She was a wonderful caring person and will be missed by many. Her wonderful personality and caring spirit are reflected in her daughter Sherry. They are two peas in a pod.
Sherry, Laurie and family. As the grief lifts just a little, the memories will bring much comfort in the coming days and years.
Love this poem. It seems to describe Diana to a T.
A journey remembered
As some people journey through life, they leave footprints wherever they go.
Footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, honour and inspiration joy and faith
Even when they are gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind,
A trail bright with hope that invites us to follow
Sherry, Laurie and family:
My condolences upon your dear mother’s passing. I remember her from years ago, and she was such a kind and warm person. I can only imagine how deeply she’ll be missed. Please know, my thoughts are with you at this time.
Sherry, Laurie and family
It was truly a privilege to meet Diana in person after hearing such wonderful stories about your lives together. I was so taken by her quiet and warm demeanour, and way she seemed to connect with such ease and grace. Meeting her absolutely matched how you had always described her.
I understand your broken hearts. Not having her physically with you any longer must feel so final. I just know that as your grief subsides, you’ll be flooded with many sweet remembrances. Thank you for making the SPCA a beneficiary of gifts in her memory – I loved snuggling Molly in Diana’s absence during the mother-daughter trek to Cape Breton. Holding you in my heart.
I was fortunate to have Diana as my neighbour across the hall at Berwick. Every day I open my door expecting to see Diana, Molly or little gorilla. The halls seem so empty. Diana always shared her homemade goodies…Sherry obviously picked up her Moms baking ability …. best darn banana loaf and date squares ever! I miss the beautiful lady who always had a kind word and warm hug to offer. Je t’aime Diana. On se voit encore un jour plus tard. Reposez bien mon ami.