Diane’s Obituary
JOHNSON, Diane Inez
March 25th, 1945 – December 15th, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Diane Johnson (nee Lackey) announces her passing on December 15th, 2020. Diane passed away peacefully at the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital at the age of 75 with her loving husband of 30 years, Colin, at her side.
She is survived by, and will be forever missed by her daughters: Linda Lowe Bennett, Lori Lowe, and Julie Lowe (Jason Gervais), step-children: Andrea Johnson (Gary England) and Lee Johnson (Kelly), sisters-in-law: June Lackey, Joyce Johnson, and Kay Johnson (Claude Raymond), cousins: Lenora Wilson (Mike), Sheila Teeple (John). Beloved Grandma to Bronson and Logan Bennett, Kayla Gervais, Aaron and Baillie (Brittany) Johnson, and William and Andrew England. She was cherished “Aunt Di” to her very special nieces, nephews and their children: Janice (David) Ruwald, Karen (Mansoor) Mohamed, Brian (Cathy) Lackey, David (Ellie) Lackey and Eric (Hannah) Lackey.
Diane was predeceased by her parents: Gordon and Beulah Lackey, her loving brother and only sibling: Barry Lackey, her nephew Ronald Lackey, and brother-in-law Lindsay (Joyce) Buzzell.
Although born in Smiths Falls, Diane moved to Carleton Place before she was a year old, and spent most of her early life at the end of Moffatt Street. She attended Victoria School, Prince of Wales School, and eventually Carleton Place High School.
Diane had many childhood memories of summers at the family cottage near Arklan Rapids on the Mississippi River. These memories are beautifully captured in a poem she wrote entitled “Summer at the River”. The poem expressed her immense love of the river, all things nature, bonfires, singsongs, and her childhood dog “Scout”. Also memorable were her summer stays with her cousin Lenora at their farm in Smiths Falls. She loved the experiences of farm life such as riding work horses, playing in the hay, feeding the chickens, and gathering eggs.
After graduating from high school, Diane worked for six years at the law firm P. J. Dadson. She was then employed as a secretary at Carleton Place High School for more than twenty years. During this time, she was respected and appreciated by staff and students for her kindness and diligence. She developed strong ties and dear friendships with many staff members which have lasted to this day.
In 1986, Diane moved to her favourite place, the Mississippi shore with her husband, Colin. It was a stone’s throw away from the family cottage she treasured as a child. On the river she spent countless hours watching wildlife, tending to her beautiful gardens, swimming, visiting with family and friends, and in recent years, spending time with her dear neighbor Liz. She loved reading books, and observing the sights and sounds of nature around her. She took time to “smell the roses”.
After retiring in 1996 Diane enjoyed travelling to a variety of places. She loved sunshine, beaches, and swimming. Throughout the years, she spent many winter months in Florida and Mexico, which she enjoyed immensely. She fondly remembered the Panama City Beach gang and had a special affection for Puerto Vallarta. She also had the opportunity to travel to British Columbia to visit her dear lifelong friend Marg, as well as Paris, London, Dublin, Barcelona, Nova Scotia, and Hawaii, among others. Although Diane travelled far and wide, she was a Carleton Place and Mississippi River Girl through and through.
Diane will be dearly missed by all of the people whose lives she touched, and will remain in their hearts forever.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private service will be held for the family in the new year. Those wishing are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, Carleton Place.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Diane Johnson December 15 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Carleton-Place, Province: Ontario