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.
25 Responses
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.
Diana was a gentle presence and a pleasure to sing with in the Newcombe Singers Choir. Our condolences to Gary and family.
Diana’s was a life well lived.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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