Diane Elaine Sherley

Diane touched many people with her vitality and positive outlook on life that went along with her dazzling smile and great sense of humour. Diane became a mother in 1989 and 1992 and spent the rest of her life supporting and encouraging her daughters Lisa and Emily, unconditionally. From teaching them how to ride horses as young children on the acreage to spending time sitting together on the balcony overlooking the Cochrane Ranche as adults, she never wavered in her love and support (even when they tested her limits). In 2002 she reconnected with her high school sweetheart and over the years they blended their families and built a wonderful and fulfilling life together.

Diane was an accomplished woman who held a lifelong passion for teaching and learning. Diane started her teaching journey by completing her Bachelor of Education in 1976 with a triple major in Early Childhood, Language Arts, and Reading and a minor in Special Education. She completed her Master of Education in 1997 while working full time and raising her 2 daughters, specializing in Adult, Community, and Higher Education. Still not done, Diane completed her Doctor of Philosophy in 2012 with a dissertation titled “When Traumatized Children Come to School: Towards Understanding Teachers’ Lived Experiences of Working with Students who Suffer Catastrophic or Traumatic Events.” Diane passed this passion for learning on to her daughters Lisa and Emily, who earned their Master Degrees in Geology and Psychology, respectively. She was also a strong source of support for her son-in-law Ross in completing his MA in Theological Studies, and in pursuing his PhD.

Diane taught for 37 years, the majority of which was in the Rocky View School Division. During that time, Diane was seconded to the University of Calgary for 7 years where she taught several classes, and supervised and evaluated student teachers in the Calgary and Rocky View School Divisions. She also worked on rebuilding the Kosovo teacher education program.

For the last 3 years of secondment, Diane not only developed the curriculum, but also taught the courses, and supervised the graduate students for a unique Master of Special Education program associated with the University of Sinte Gleska, the South Dakota First Nations Sioux Tribal University. This program was taught at Gleichen, Alberta for students from the Siksika and Blood Reserves.

Upon returning to the Rocky View School Division, Diane finished her teaching career as the Assistant Principal of Nose Creek Elementary School in Airdrie, Alberta, before retiring in 2015.

Diane spent her retirement pursuing her love of travelling with friends and family. Some of her favorite places were Sedona, Arizona, and the Grand Sirenis resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Diane is lovingly remembered by her family: Lisa Axelson and Emily Von Hausen (Ross), Cassandra Whitelaw (Jason), her husband Chris Hojnik, her sister Karen Amonson (Jamie), and her grandchildren Zachary and Lily. Diane was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Audrey Sherley.

A private service will be held at a later date. To inquire, please email [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Center through the website at https://albertacancer.ca/donate/