February 5, 1940 – February 22, 2012
Diana passed away at Victoria Hospice surrounded by family. Wife, mother, grandmother – we miss your presence so much already. Her 72 years had a profound impact on all around her, and she lived her life with purpose in service to others. She grew up in Calgary and moved to Vancouver in 1961 where she met Gary, her husband of 47 years. In 1979, she moved from Burnaby to Victoria with her family.
Diana was passionate about her family, community and church. Faith was central in her life, and she was involved in many ways with Gordon Head United Church. Diana dedicated herself to service and spent innumerable hours helping the Kidney Foundation of Canada, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Pacific Animal Therapy Society, and making people smile with the Victoria clowning group as “Gingersnap” with her beloved dog Ginger. She loved to make others happy and bring people together.
Diana is survived by her husband Gary, her three sons, Joe (Naowarat) and grandson Ryder, John (Leila) and granddaughters Athena and Danae, and Gordon. Diana is predeceased by her brother Jim and parents, Martha and Adam (Dewey).
To celebrate her life, a memorial service with reception to follow will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 2:00pm at Gordon Head United Church, 4201 Tyndall Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Victoria Chapter) or Gordon Head United Church.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Danae Russell
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Vik Namasivayam Even years later, from time to time, I think about my time on Ebony Terrace and Diana’s warm smile and always caring nature never slip my mind.
I feel blessed to have spent so much time with Gary and Diana – two very opposite, but very loving people.
Always,
Vik
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Roy Leaman Gary, I was very saddened to hear of your loss. I hope that you soon will find peace and solace in the memories of the good times. Take care my friend.
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Monika von Selz Dear Gary , I am saddened by your loss of your beautiful wife Diana. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
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Margaret Daldry Dear Gary,
I was so saddened to read of Dianne’s death. My thoughts and
prayers are with you and your family.
Margaret
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Maggie and Arden Little We are very saddened by your loss, Gary, and pass along our condolences to you and your family.
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Frances Aknai Gary, please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear wife, Diana.
Frances Aknai
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Bob & Doris Nicholson Dear Gary & Family.
We were so sad to hear of Diana’s passing. She was such an inspiration to all of us who had the opportunity of meeting her. Her dedication to her family and the work with the Kidney Foundation, was always evident. Such a positive person, and we felt so blessed to have crossed paths over the years. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.Bob & Doris Nicholson
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Russ & Michelle Harvey Diana had a serving heart and made such a difference in so many lives, including ours. We’ll miss her. Our prayers and condolences to Gary and the family. We’ll miss this wonderful and treasured friend.
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Sandy Whitney So sorry to hear about Diana. My condolences to her family and friends. Thank you, Diana, for your dedication to AHSGR. I will never forget your kindness to me.
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Jen and Scott Farquhar We are so sorry for the very sudden loss of our neighbour and won’t forget how warm and welcoming she was to us when we first moved into our new home. We have no doubt how deep and large the community is that knew and loved and appreciated Diana and Gary…..We extend our prayers and heartfelt thoughts to the entire family as they grieve this loss. xoxo
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Walter Epp Sad to see such a young energetic person leave us. We got to know each other briefly through the AHSGR. I loved her organizational skills and her enthusiasm. May she see the Saviour whom she loved. Those who accept the love and forgiveness of the Saviour shall live forever in the presence of the Heavenly hosts serving and praising God forever. Rest in peace and enjoy your reward. May God bless your memory to your family and friends. Psalm 61
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Michelle Connolly “Gingersnap” arrived with a smile and “infected” everyone around her. She had an impact on a lot of lives and was an inspirational member of PATS. Diana and Ginger have been missed.
Michelle (and Gypsy)
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Cynthia Lang Diana was such a giving person, warm and loving. I saw her often at the hospital as “Gingersnap”, she was great. She lit up a room!
To Gary and family, heartfelt condolences.
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Lee and Diane Dowsley Dear Gary and Family:
We are very sad to hear of Diana’s passing. We were lucky to share many good times with her as she was such a wonderful person. Our condolences to you and your family.
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Sara Himelstein In my work at Kidney Care Clinic in Victoria , I had the privelege of getting to know Diana. Her warmth, humour and boundless energy were always apparent. Her presence at every public event that supported kidney health and treatment will stay with me for a very long time. She was a person who really made a difference.
My sincerest condolences to all her family on her death.
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Phil Rogers & Sheila Grigg Diana was a gentle presence and a pleasure to sing with in the Newcombe Singers Choir. Our condolences to Gary and family.
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Judith Holm Diana’s was a life well lived.
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lois wilson We will miss Diana’s quiet smile and involvement in all things kidney. I am sure her family is very proud of her involvement in her community.
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Leona and Reg Schancel Gary, our deepest sympathy to you and all the family.
Diana was blessed to have a caring husband and children.
She was a wonderful person, so giving of herself to all of us that knew her.
We are all fortunate to have had her in our lives and we will miss her visits very much.
Love to all.
Leona, Reg and Family.
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Sonu Kaul I am truly saddened by Diane’s death. Diane was an amazing person. She was always so kind and considerate to me during my stay in Canada. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Sonu Kaul
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George and Alice Schellenberg Dear Gary and family, We are so very saddened to hear that Dianna passed away and we were thinking of you all as you came together as a family to be with her. We had a great time watching our families grow as neighbors and shared many memorable times together. We will always remember Dianna with that smile that lit up her eyes and always busy with her many causes and caring. Sorry we are away now, but our thoughts will be with you on Saturday. Alice and George
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Darlene Michl Dear John and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a lovely and giving person. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.Darlene
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Elaine Riches Diana was a very remarkably woman–her dedication to whatever she took on was always an inspiration to others..Losing her so suddenly has been a great shock to all of us, who worked with her and admired her faith and purpose. Her love of animals was always apparent . Her devotion to her family was visable in all she did.
We will miss her but our lives are much better for having known her.
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Doug & Maureen Hobbs Hello Gary & Family,
This is a beautiful photo of Diana & a lovely tribute to her. She will be missed so much, Love to all as our thoughts & prayers are with you, Doug & Maureen
It’s been 10 years. I miss you both every single day. I think of you both every evening and I wish you could see how far I’ve come. I miss and love you forever.