Diana Lee Denny, age 79, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2024. She was born on April 7, 1945, in We’koqmaq to Victor Jeddore and Jessie (Sylliboy) Jeddore. She was a granddaughter of the late Grand Chief Gabriel Sylliboy and Grand Chief Noel Jeddore of Newfoundland who gave her the name of “Newfoundland Princess”. Diana married the love of her life, Aloysius Denny in 1964 who preceded her in death in 1995. She was predeceased by her sister Murdena Marshall, brothers Howard Jeddore, George Jeddore and infant Joseph.
She leaves behind her two beloved sons, Victor (Paqtisim) and Aloysius Jr. (Lulu), special daughter Sunshine Paul-Martin, sisters Patsy Paul-Martin and Cathy Lewis. Her grandchildren Allyson, Haylee, Irelynn, Suri, Victor Jr and great grandchildren Grace, Ayson, Lawrence, Noah. Sisters in law, Sandra Gloade, Veronica Jeddore and Sandra Gould. Brothers in law, Douglas Denny, Maurice Denny and Albert Marshall Sr., nieces Sheila, Georgina, Elizabeth, Michelle, late Denise, Fern, Brittany, Jessica, Victoria, Melody and Luisa, nephews Allan, late Antle, late George, Jerry, Tommy, Albert Jay, Edward, Jai, and Barry Jr. Godchildren JoAnn MacCue, Geraldine Poulette, Georgina Francis, Kattirin Francis, Shelley Denny, Jessie Lee Jeddore and special godson Howie Jeddore.
Diana’s employment journey began first as a cashier at the Levi R. Denny General Store. She then worked as a welfare officer with the Eskasoni Band Council for many years. Later in life she pursued her education at Cape Breton University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree at age 43. Upon graduation she was employed at the Eskasoni Fish & Wildlife Commission under the leadership of the late Charlie Joe Dennis. She enjoyed working with Charlie and took pride in promoting our sacred Mi’kmaq language through translations, narratives and storytelling. Diana and her brother Howard were hired as language consultants in the Disney movie, Squanto.
She was a fluent speaker and writer of Mi’kmaq language, including sharing her knowledge of traditional Mi’kmaq culture and heritage. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, her favorite card game, “What You Got”, and most recently beading.
Diana volunteered her services to many events such as the Eskasoni Winter Carnival Princess pageant. She was also a secretary for Eskasoni Elders Society and served on many committees. She was also a medical carrier for the Eskasoni Health Centre providing medical transportation services to her many clients.
Diana was a member of the Holy Family Parish and one of her greatest accomplishments was her devotion as a First Communion protector and guide during the St. Anne’s mission in Potlotek. She helped and guided children who received their first holy communion.
The family wants to express their gratitude and give special thanks to her caregivers, Charlene, Jessica, Irelynn, Eskasoni Health Center, and Cape Breton Regional Hospital dialysis unit.
Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm on April 20th at her home on 69 Denny’s Lane, Eskasoni. Funeral mass will take place on Monday, April 22 at 10:30 am at the Holy Family Parish, 50 Gabriel Street, Eskasoni with Rev. Antolin Asor and Deacon Tom Sylliboy officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. In the care of T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Meal and Salite to follow at the Gabriel Centre.
To share memories or condolences visit, www.twcurry.com.
