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.
-
Wendy and Sandy
-
Paula Jessome 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.
-
Dani vanDriel 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.
-
Karen Anderson 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.
-
Jim Wilson To Diana’s family and friends. I am deeply saddened by her passing. She was a wonderful person who was respected by everyone that new her. She made the world a better place, God Bless!
Jim Wilson
Sydney River
Nova Scotia
-
Nonie Our deepest sympathy to Sherry, Rodney, Christopher and your families. Diana was a special friend for many years and I enjoyed every moment we had together. Laughter played a huge part in our friendship. Rest in peace my dear. Love you.
Nonie and Stuart.
-
Sarah and Shaun Sherry, Laurie and family
While we never met Diana, clearly she was an amazing woman. She is described as patient, kind, gentle, with a depth and inner kindness. Also a woman who made delicious pies. What resonates about this description of Diana is they are the same words we would choose to describe Diana’s daughter, Sherry. It seems as though Diana lives on through Sherry.
Rest in peace Diana.
Our thoughts are with Sherry, Laurie and family
-
Lorna MacLean Sherry, although we only spent one day together, it was a lovely, colorful, laugh filled day while searching for the elusive redder than red trees to photograph. Diana was a lovely lady, so glad to have met her, and you, of course. Her obituary read like a condensed novel of a life well lived, bringing a tear to my eyes. In sympathy, Lorna, Barbara’s sister-in-law.
-
Gail Andrews Quinn So sorry to hear about Diana’s passing. I remember her from many years ago in Coxheath. My parents, Lewie and B Andrews used to travel around the province in summer to the hydro races. They hired Diana to babysit me and my brother and she travelled with us and we camped. She was such a nice lady. Sincere condolences to all her family and friends.
-
Bonita Neri and Carol Donovan Sherry and Laurie and family,
Our condolences on the loss of Diana. While we met her on but a couple of occasions, Diana’s warmth, wit and joy were memorable.
May your memories of your time with Diana bring you peace.
-
Laurie Moore When I sit in silence and close my eyes, I can feel Diana’s gentle and loving kiss on my cheek; I can see Diana’s warm smile; I can hear her quick wit followed by her infectious laugh; and I can smell and taste her yummy chocolate peanut butter balls and delicious blueberry pies.
I am so very grateful to have Diana as my mother-in-law. I have many endearing memories of time spent with Diana. From the first Christmas I spent with Sherry at Diana’s & Dwight’s Cape Breton home where I received more Christmas presents than I had in all my childhood Christmases combined! Christmas was Diana’s favorite time of year. To this past summer, attending a Mary Poppins musical and holding Diana’s hand while we sang together throughout the play. Diana was fun, warm, gentle and loving. How lucky am I to have Diana as my mother-in-law. Rest in Peace Diana, you loved well and are and will be forever deeply loved.
Holding everyone who is feeling the loss of lovely Diana close to my heart during this difficult time.
-
David Robertson I will always remember the great times we had with Aunt Diana and Uncle Dwight in Mira. For me it was always the BBQ highlight of the summer. Those summer BBQ’s were so full of fun and laughter. It was usually BBQ’d chicken and lobster, and Aunt Diana’s amazing caeser salad dressing. Aunt Diana was a wonderful person, greatly loved, and will be missed by all of us.
-
Lesley Robertson Aunt Diane was simply the best! I remember her letting me ride the motor bikes in the back when my Mom wasn’t there! She let me be just like the boys. One summer she basically let me move in and hang with Rodney and his friends. She allowed me to be me. She trusted me and gave me space. I remember her pies and ceasar salad which was a required addition to every lobster dinner at our place in Mira. Aunt Diana you will be missed and forever cherished in the memories of family. Rest in peace, thank you for your love and care over the years.
-
Sue Johnson I met Diana briefly a few times. She openly adored her daughter, Sherry and her pet dog Molly. She struck me as a highly intelligent caring person with lots of love to go around.
She will be missed!
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