Diane May Townsend

Our loving mom, grandma, wife, and sister passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2023, at the age of 77. Mom was the youngest child of Harry and Helen Swetnam and was born on Feb. 1, 1945 and raised in Victoria, attending Lampson Elementary and Esquimalt High School. It was while attending Young People's Group, Mom met the love of her life, Bill and they wed on Sept. 26, 1964, in St. John the Divine Anglican Church.

Despite her health challenges over the past few years, Mom maintained an incredible sense of humour and she continued to focus on her love for her family. From sewing to crocheting to baking, she was the kindest and most caring person you would ever meet. Recently, she became known as the ‘bag lady’ as she sewed cloth bags and handed them out to nurses and patients on the renal dialysis unit as she received her treatments. With her limited vision, Mom was still able to continue sewing bags, pillowcases, clothing and these items including hundreds of receiving blankets are being used by families around the world as she donated them to the Compassionate Warehouse.

Left to celebrate her incredible legacy is her husband of 58 years, Bill, daughter Cindy Griffith (Doug), son David (Jennifer), her cherished grandchildren Ashley, Kaitlin, Jordyn and Jack. Her sister Eleanor Kirkpatrick (Del), niece Leona and nephew Glenn, sister-in-law Pat Henriksen, and nieces Janet and Karol. She also leaves behind a large extended family and her friend of more than 70 years, Marlene Griffiths.

The family would like to thank Mom’s GP Dr. Michelle Nelson, Nephrologist Dr. Gaylene Hargrove, and the renal dialysis nurses and medical staff for their loving and compassionate care.

Please join us in remembering Diane at a celebration of LIFE on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at 2 PM at the Victoria Church of the Nazarene, 4277 Quadra St. Please wear bright coloured clothing. Reception to follow in the Fireside Room at the church. In lieu of flowers, please instead consider a donation to the Nazarene Compassionate Warehouse or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.