Dianne Lynn Purcell

65 of Halifax passed away on November 10, 2010 surrounded by her husband and children after a courageous struggle with cancer. Born in Halifax, Dianne was the daughter of Edith (Wambolt) and the late LCdr. John W. (Jack) Keating. After graduating from Mount St. Vincent Academy and completing a B.A. and B.Ed. at Dalhousie University, Dianne taught elementary school in Halifax Co., Calgary and Dartmouth prior to making the decision to dedicate her life to providing a warm and loving home for her family. During this period Dianne also made significant contributions of time to volunteer organizations in the community. As the children grew, Dianne and her husband Vince pursued their passion for travel and adventure both by land in their ‘Westy’ and by sea in their sailing vessel ‘Finn MacCool’. Dianne was known by all for her giving nature and kind gentle spirit. Her door was always open and she enjoyed making meals for anyone who may stop by. She loved her family and was very proud to be a grandmother. Known to her grandchildren as ‘Nana’ she enjoyed spending time with them reading stories and being involved in their activities. Dianne is lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years John ‘Vincent’ Purcell of Purcell’s Cove, daughter Colleen of Surrey BC, two sons Dan (Danielle) of Cole Harbour, and Chris (Diana) of Three Fathom Harbour, brother Dr. David (Barb) Keating of Halifax and six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Darian, Jalen, Tyson, Keiler and Kenzie. Also mourning her passing from near and far are sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many cousins, countless friends, sorority sisters and ‘Cove’ neighbours. The family will be holding a tribute to celebrate Dianne’s life at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax on Tuesday November 16 at 2:00 pm. A greeting period will be held in the same location preceding the tribute at 1:00 pm. An open social gathering will immediately follow at the Armdale Yacht Club where the family invites friends to share stories, smiles and joyous memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dianne to the Canadian Cancer Society. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com