A beloved wife, mother, soulmate and friend, Dianne passed away in the loving arms of her husband Bill on December 16, 2024, in Victoria, BC. Dianne led a remarkable life of 55 years, marked by her ability to truly connect with anyone whose life path crossed with hers.
Dianne was born on May 31, 1969 in Revelstoke, BC as the older of two children in the Mathieson home. Growing up as an active, athletic young woman in Maple Ridge, BC, Dianne was a competitive swimmer for many years, with highland dancing, figure skating, field hockey and distance running as her other sports of choice. But it was her focus on the importance of family connection that truly shaped who Dianne would be throughout her life.
After graduating from Maple Ridge Senior Secondary, Dianne pursued undergraduate Criminology studies at Simon Fraser University, completing her BA in 1991. After celebrating her achievements with an extended backpacking trip through vast areas of Europe and parts of northern Africa, Dianne set out to pursue a career focused on helping and supporting others.
In 1994 Dianne became a probation officer and family court counsellor in White Rock, BC. It was there that she met a charming coworker, Bill, who would quickly become her best friend and life partner for the next 30 years. Dianne and Bill’s love story was, first and foremost, about nurturing and celebrating their powerful connection. They declared themselves “best friends and lovers eternal” early on, and they would live that every day of their more than three decades as a couple.
The following year, in August 1995, Dianne and Bill married, overlooking the ocean by Jericho Beach in Vancouver, BC. Dianne’s connection to the power of water, with the rhythm of its movement and power of its tides, would endure for her entire life.
In late 1998 the couple welcomed their first son, Aiden, and two and half years later, Keegan was born in early 2001, completing the family that would be the centre of Dianne’s universe for the rest of her life. A loving and doting mother, Dianne embraced being a “momma bear” who loved her sons with all of her heart; she set out to make the world a better place by raising them with unconditional love and continual curiosity about the world around them.
After many adventures together living in communities in central and northern BC, in 2011 Dianne, Bill, Aiden and Keegan relocated their forever home, with a view out to the Salish Sea and easy walking access to the oceanside in Colwood, BC. Just as it did on their wedding day, the power of the ocean drew Dianne to this place, and it served as a spiritual anchor throughout her life.
Embracing her new community and the people in it, Dianne supported her sons as they explored the world around them with the same curiosity and competitive spirit as their mother. Innumerable hours at the hockey rink, watching both boys grow up with skates on, would follow.
Throughout this time, Dianne’s dedication to helping others would feature prominently in her 30-year career. Transitioning from her role as a probation officer, Dianne underwent several career changes, as the family moved, all focussed on public safety and assisting vulnerable people. For the last several years, she was the Director of Security Screening with BC’s Security Programs Division. Throughout her 30-year career, Dianne led others with compassion, integrity and courage, inspiring the people she led and supported throughout her career.
In 2016 Dianne faced a devastating diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. As with everything she did in life, she approached this news with unfathomable poise and courage. Dianne regarded her diagnosis as a call to live her life to its fullest every day, and her friends and family shared this journey with her, with genuine gratitude for the gifts each day together offered us.
Dianne shared the transformative experience of living with cancer with friends and colleagues, several of whom joined her in this difficult path. In this way, she inspired many others to face life’s adversities with positivity and optimism. All who knew Dianne found strength and comfort in the unimaginable power of her spirit.
In 2019, with the support of her local hockey community, Dianne founded “Play for the Cure,” an annual Victoria Westshore hockey fundraising event in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. Over the years Play for the Cure has raised tens of thousands of dollars, directed to services to improve the quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatment. Play for the Cure was a legacy of which Dianne was immensely proud.
With everything she accomplished in her life, Dianne would always say that she wanted to make her mark in this world as a mother who was devoted to her family, and she was never happier than when spending time with those with whom she was closest. That is precisely how she will be forever remembered by her best friend and lover eternal, Bill, and their two devoted sons, Aiden and Keegan, along with countless friends and extended family. She asked that when you encounter a dragonfly in your journeys from this day forward, please remember that she is still with you.
A service and celebration of Dianne’s life will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 2pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Livestreaming is available on the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85609497161?pwd=TekVSwxldrVaz342oygyoAzYVTtwpd.1
Dianne asked that you be invited to join her in singing along with her to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” when it is played during this celebration of her amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, Dianne asked that friends instead consider a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation in her memory https://bccancerfoundation.com/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jordan McClymont
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Kevin O’Flynn Special lady indeed, while we may not have known you as well as others we feel like we did. Was so nice getting to know your family back in 2017…I could see and feel the closeness and strong family the two of you built.
Kim, myself, and our daughter Morgan send our love and thoughts to you and the boys.
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Stephanie Melvin Dianne and I used to have this running joke about how things were when a married couple worked in government and one was inevitably known as the other’s spouse instead of by their own name. When I started working with “Bill Small’s wife” at OSMV – Bill became “Dianne Small’s husband” – and his wonderful smile always grew brighter every time he was called this.
There is an entire cohort of people at Family Justice Services Division who join me in mourning one of our family today since Dianne was an OG Family Justice Counsellor.
Bill, Aiden and Keegan, our hearts go out to you all. We are so grateful for the time we had with your beautiful wife and mom.
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Vern McIntosh Bill, Aiden and Keegan,
We feel so honoured to have been blessed with Dianne’s friendship. We shall miss her insightful conversation, compassion and wonderful sense of humour. If ever one needed to observe what a definition of courage was, you would need to look no further than Dianne. With fierce determination, she faced her lengthy battle head on and with such a positive attitude; and, now she can rest easy.
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Frances Sasvari Bill, Aiden and Keegan:
When I think of Dianne, I think of her smile and the laughter that would always accompany it. She could light up a room! Dianne was my colleague for a number of years. Dianne had an incredibly strong work ethic, and was passionate about her job. Dianne was one of my favourite people. She was smart, kind and very, very witty. She was also so very strong. She really was a very impressive person. I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her.
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Kathryn Chapman Bill, Aiden and Keegan, what a lovely testament to Dianne’s life so very well lived! You three were so blessed to have had Dianne in your lives as partner, mother, guide, friend and all round awesome human! Those of us who had the privilege of working with her will always remember and value her collaborative spirit, whip smart intellect, authentic humanity and compassion, and best of all, her infectious laugh. She was a wonderful leader and colleague – smart, caring, kind and so much fun. I’m so very sorry for your momentous loss. Our hearts are with you.
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The Sieverts Bill, Aidan Keegan and family, We are so sorry for your loss…..our condolences to you all
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Martina Cahill Bill I am deeply saddened since hearing of the loss of your wife Dianne. I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
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Rob Chong Bill, Aiden and Keegan,
A lovely tribute to your soulmate, your love, your mom, a remarkable woman who heartened and inspired many throughout her life. She was a tower of strength and always exuded positive energy, hence, earning her the title of – “Princess of Power” during Probation Officer training. I feel so privileged to have known her as a student many years ago. Of late, I feel so grateful to have been a student of hers, learning so much about life through her persistent sense of optimism no matter what challenges came her way. She was an inspirational role model showing us how to live life in the most meaningful and cherished way.
Dianne – you will always be remembered, and may you – with the “Sword of Protection” – channel your incredible positive energy throughout the universe.
And to Bill, Aiden and Keegan – may your mother’s powerful loving spirit, along with the caring support of so many, help carry you through this difficult time.
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Carrie McCulley Dianne definitely made things happen from day one. Her determination was evident in all she did. Her capacity to create change was absolutely so inspiring. Keep holding tight to all she put out there in the world, keep holding tight to each other. Holding you all in my thoughts, waiting for dragonflies.
C
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Cindy Andrew A beautiful tribute to a lovely woman whom I wish I met much earlier in our lives. Deep condolences to all who loved her. Her spirit lives on in all lucky enough to have connected with her.
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Martin and Heather Lait Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. She helped raise two fine young men and will be greatly missed. Her strength and ability to make to most of every day was truly inspiring.
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Lynne Hampton, FMR Dear Bill and family, sending my deepest sympathies for your loss. May you find some peace in knowing that so many are sending their love, your way now and always.
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Justine My deepest condolences to you and your family Bill….I didn’t know her but just by reading the wonderful words written here there is no doubt she was an incredible lady and will be sorely missed by all!! May you get through this difficult time, through prayers and the comfort of your family and friends.
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Vanessa Stone Dianne you are such a beautiful person inside and out. Knowing you was a gift to my life, even if it was only for a short time. Your strength and outlook will always be an inspiration to me.
My sincerest condolences to Bill, her boys, and all who knew and loved her and will miss her.
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Lesley woodley It’s hard to condense such a brave bold and giving life in so few words . So much respect for this life well lived and the courage to make such remarkable contributions to the lives of others .
You can rest now Dianne .
For the family , be kind to yourselves over these next days & months . It’s a journey .
Sending you peace and solace .
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Kristine Nellis What an absolutely beautiful and vivid depiction of an obviously amazing woman. My thoughts and love are with you and your family.
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Blair Palmer Very moving tribute for Dianne, Bill, so sorry for your loss, wishing for strength for you and family.
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Kimberley Caouette My beautiful friend, you are dearly missed by everyone that you have welcomed into your life. Bill, Aiden and Keegan, Gilles, Alex and I offer you our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Dianne will forever be in our hearts.
On behalf of the BC Cancer Foundation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dianne’s family and loved ones. Dianne’s generous spirit shone brightly as the founder of Play for the Cure, which raised significant funds to support patient comfort and care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment in Victoria. Her kindness and dedication have created a legacy that will continue to improve the lives of those in our community facing cancer.