Obituary
It is with a very heavy heart and great sadness we announce the passing of Diane Gunn. Diane passed away peacefully from COPD at her home on June13, 2020 with her husband, sons and other relatives at her side.
Diane was born in Cardston, Alberta to Gerald and Margaret Roe on May 4,1942. After finishing her schooling in Lethbridge and Jefferson she enrolled in the nursing program at St. Michaels Hospital in Lethbridge and graduated in 1963. She worked at small hospitals before moving to Edmonton to work at the old Charles Camsell Hospital which provided services to northern communities in Alberta and the Territories. While working at the Camsell, Diane escorted many small children back home to their families and sometimes in very trying conditions. It was there that through a mutual friend Diane went on a blind date with John on April Fool’s Day. She later told John she just about did not go because she did not believe in blind dates. Shortly thereafter they fell madly in love and got married in the fall of 1966.
John had a homestead in northern Alberta that required some final residency time and he took Diane up there in 1967. It was a real shock to her as there were no telephones or running water. It was a true test of love that she sacrificed that for John. They moved back to Edmonton in early 1968 and shortly thereafter bought a home in St. Albert where their two sons Cameron and Brad were raised and completed their grade 12. During the winter months Diane enjoyed curling and cross- country skiing.
Diane started doing volunteer work in St. Albert beginning with the “Beavers” when Cam and Brad were young. She also volunteered at their elementary school where the school liked her so much, they hired her to assist with children with disabilities.
Some of Diane’s most enjoyable times were spending time with family and friends at their log cabin on Lesser Slave Lake where most vacations were spent while the family grew up. Diane quit her school job when John started doing international work so they could travel together. They lived in London, UK for about a year and two years in Adelaide, South Australia. Diane loved her time in London as she could go to shows and museums at her leisure while navigating the Tube. While in Australia many friendships were developed, many wine tours were taken and great parties were held, all while enjoying the great weather. Diane said if she had gone to Australia when she was much younger, she might never have returned to Canada. Upon their return from Australia, John and Diane moved to Calgary in 1996 when his job was relocated.
Diane loved company and enjoyed entertaining and hosted many parties at their home overlooking Fish Creek Park. She also volunteered by hosting guests at Spruce Meadows. Later, Diane joined the Red Hat Society and through that started volunteering on various political elections and with one exception her candidates always won. In later years John and Diane became “Snowbirds” and started spending parts of the winter primarily in California. They also went on several interesting and enjoyable cruises.
Diane is survived by John, her loving husband of 54 years; her sons Cameron (Leticia) and Brad (Cate); brothers Gerald Roe (Shelley) and Don Roe (Bev); sisters-in-law Dianne Evans (Jim), Pat Erickson (Brad) , and Debbie Durnin; as well as her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents. One of Diane’s greatest regrets is not being able to see her young granddaughter Bronwyn, and young great granddaughters Jada and Haylee grow up.
During the past several weeks of her life, Diane received excellent care from various groups in the Alberta health care system. Particularly near the end with the palliative care group which allowed her to be relatively comfortable at home until her passing. Special thanks to Dr. O who was very compassionate and kind at the end. Also specials thanks go out to niece Lori Roe who gave both John and Diane compassionate and loving support in the last few weeks.
Diane was a special person who was, so full of life and brought such joy to everyone she met. Her especially outgoing personality meant she could make a new friend anywhere she went. Diane will be sorely missed, leaving a big hole in many lives.
Due to current conditions no funeral will be held, but when conditions improve the family will have a “Celebration of Life” to celebrate the life of this lovely lady.
Donations can be made, in Diane’s name, to the Alberta Lung Association or your charity of choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gunn Diane, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gunn Diane May 4 1942 June 13 2020 (age 78)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta