Diana Baird
Diana Baird passed away with family by her side on January 15, 2022 at the age of 84 at the Ottawa Hospital – General Campus.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, to the late Robert and Mary Baird. Dear sister to older brother, Melvin, and younger brother, Gordon (pre deceased). Dear sister-in-law to Myrna and Zai. Beloved Aunt to Katherine, Robert, Paul, Shane, Michelle and Karen (pre deceased).
A devout member of her church, a devoted friend, a proud Canadian, a lifelong educator, an accomplished athlete, a globetrotting traveler; Diana Baird was many things to many people, but touched the lives of all she knew.
Diana’s early years in Glasgow were shaped by her love of athletics. She was an accomplished field hockey player and track athlete, captain of both the field hockey and running teams. Diana graduated from the Dumfermline School of Physical Education and began her career in education as a teacher of phys ed.
In the early 1960’s, Diana emigrated from Scotland and joined her brother, Melvin, in Montreal. She taught gym by day and took night courses at Concordia University where she obtained her Education Degree. She went on to teach High School Mathematics in Montreal for over 30 years.
To know Diana was to know a strong, independent, determined, organized, practical woman. She explored the world, sometimes with her dear friend of many years, Isobel, often times as a solo traveler. Russia, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Nunavut, Peru, the Baltics; Diana travelled them all.
But no destination was more meaningful than her frequent trips to Malaysia where she would visit and care for her sister-in-law, Zai, and her beloved nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.
In 1996, Diana moved to Ottawa to be closer to her cherished niece, Katherine. Diana joined the Woodroffe United Church and became an integral member of the congregation, giving freely of her time and talents to support the community and raise funds for charity, especially with her baked goods and lunches in support of the annual Bazaar. She was a “super” member of the choir, singing her heart out while ensuring the choir was fully supported in her role as choir librarian and gown mistress. She never missed choir practice or Sunday services. The congregation was more than a community, it was her second family.
Diana was also an artist. She expressed herself through needlework and quilting, creating works of true beauty and meaning. Her quilts decorate the homes and warm the beds of numerous family and friends. Her wall-hangings and paraments adorn the walls of her beloved church and will remain a treasured and highly visible legacy at Woodroffe for years to come.
A service for Diana will be held on Thursday, January 20, at 11:00 am at Woodroffe United Church. Attendees must be fully vaccinated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Diana Baird Saturday January 15th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario