While a bright and beautiful light went out from our lives with the passing of Diana Mary McVitty on July 8th, her beauty and grace lives on in our hearts. She passed away at home in her 96th year after a brief illness and has now gone peacefully from this life into heavenly glory and the arms of her Saviour Jesus Christ.
Diana was a lifelong Torontonian, the youngest child of Frederick Ross Belfrey and Frances Winnifred (nee Lundy) De Guerre with siblings: Daniel, Frederick, Frances (Yates) and Edward.
Children always had a special place in Diana’s heart, first ignited as a counsellor at Moorelands Camp inspiring her to pursue a nursing career at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
In 1952 she met the love of her life and married Edmund Hugh McVitty soon welcoming Brian, Patricia, Susan, and Catherine into the family. There are many happy family memories filled with love and laughter spent skiing at Oshawa Kirby, summers on Lake of Bays, family dinners and celebrations. Mom was blessed with excellent health, living independently and abundantly even hosting a family croquet tournament to celebrate her 90th birthday.
Her five grandchildren were a special source of joy and pride as she rejoiced in each of them with her compassionate and loving presence: Robert, David, Katie, Joshua, and William.
Diana’s life was guided by a deep faith and she was an active member of St. John’s Anglican Church York Mills for over 50 years. In 2000 she was recognized with the Bishop’s Award for Faithful Service. One of her many joys was helping St. John’s settle two Vietnamese families in Canada. These families grew and prospered in Canada becoming Diana’s lifelong friends.
Diana had a courageous and adventurous spirit and embraced each new chapter of her life with enthusiasm. It was in her senior years that she travelled independently off the beaten track to places such as Kenya, Japan, the Arctic, and the Galapagos Islands.
Diana is survived by her four children: Brian (Diane), Patricia, Susan (John Vincent) and Catherine (Regan Takenaka).
The family would like to thank the compassionate care of the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care at North York General Hospital. Special thanks to the Reverend Richard Webb for his spiritual care and support.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday July 14th at 11:00 am at St. John’s Anglican Church York Mills, 19 Don Ridge Dr. (visitation one hour prior to the service). Refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moorelands Kids or to St. John’s Anglican Church, York Mills.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Diana Mary McVitty De Guerre- February 3 1927 – July 8 2022..
Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
Brian, Patricia, Susan, Catherine
I was so lucky to be a neighbour of your Mom’s on the 6th floor for 11 years. What a beautiful woman inside and out! I will truly miss her and her cheerful greetings. My condolences to your whole family.
Brian, Patty, Susan, and Catherine
Our deepest love to my cousins and their children.
May your grief move through you gently.
Aunti Di was a treasure to all of us. She will be remembered for so many special occasions hosted and attended. She was the family glue.
Blessings on all our families in these days of remembering.