Diane Elizabeth Oliver

Diane was born on September 6, 1950, in The Pas, Manitoba to Albert and Christina Joynes. She was the youngest of three children, and her older siblings, Donna & Jim, always looked out for their “baby sister.” When she was a young girl, the family moved to Barwick where she attended elementary school. After spending about six years there, the family relocated to Fort Frances, just before Diane started high school. After graduating high school, she was employed at Household Finance. She had met the love of her life, Darcy Oliver, when she was 14 years of age, and they were united in marriage on June 27, 1970. Their love for each other was like no other – best friends, soul mates, one another’s rock and strength. You rarely saw one without the other; true lifelong companions, who celebrated 51 years together this past June. She then worked at Northern Affairs until the birth of her first daughter, Pamela, in 1976. She decided to stay at home to be a full-time wife and mother, completing their family with the birth of their youngest, Debra, in 1978. She became a committed and attentive mother during those years at home, devoting her time to her girls’ formative years. Once the girls began attending school, Diane returned to Northern Affairs, working part time for several years before taking a position at Service Canada. She worked at Service Canada for 26 years before her health began to decline and she took an early retirement. She made many lasting friendships amongst her co-workers, and was a valued colleague who knew her stuff! She was overjoyed when she became a grandma in 2009. She was a huge support to Pam & Beau as they navigated parenthood, and was always eager to spend as much time with Ben as she could. You could always count on her to be there for every school concert, sporting event, or birthday party. Ben was lucky to have her for the time he did. Diane had a strong faith and was a very active member of St. John’s Anglican church and a founding member of the Church of the Holy Spirit. Diane served in many ways within both church communities by being appointed Rector’s Warden, sitting on the boards, and she held the position of secretary for many years. She also enjoyed bowling, first in the Ladies League and in later years, she joined an afternoon league.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother, who gave of herself, putting others needs and wants before her own. She was an intelligent woman, who could always be depended on to get the job done, and do it well! She enjoyed puzzles, and was always up for a card game. She is remembered by colleagues, and clients who worked with her over the years who remember her kindness, patience, and compassion. She had a gentle and calm grace, a faithful spirit, a sure and steady strength, and a heart full of gratitude and generosity.

A heartfelt thanks to the staff at Riverside Health Care Facilities, and Rainycrest. You have always taken such good care of Diane, looking after her every need, and making sure she was as comfortable as possible. Your compassion, care, and empathy over the past couple of years, and especially these past few days, have been so appreciated and comforting. You are all angels in scrubs!

Diane will be greatly missed by her husband Darcy; daughters Pamela and husband Beau Guild, and Debra and husband Andrew Leadbetter; grandson Ben Guild; siblings Donna Kelso and Jim Joynes (Ruby); in-laws Ken, Carolyn, Trevor (Roberta) and Jim Oliver as well as treasured nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Christina Joynes, in-laws Bert and Pamela Oliver, and brother-in-law, John Kelso.

Cremation has taken place a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society, Riverside Health Care Foundation or the Church of the Holy Spirit, c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.