August 29 1940 - April 21 2023
It is with great sadness, yet immense gratitude for a beautiful life, that we share the passing of our cherished mother and matriarch, Diane. Childhood best friend and wife of nearly 57 years of Brian; mother of beloved daughters Beth Hayhurst (Jim) of Victoria BC and Jill Spidle (Geoff) of Oakville; adoring grandmother of Statten, Quinn & Tatum Hayhurst and Victoria, Nicholas & Jennifer Spidle. Diane was predeceased by daughter, Jennifer Anne; parents, Doris and Dave Wilson; stepmother, Alvina (Groh) Wilson; parents-in-law C.M. (Mac) and Gladys Yeates and brother, David Wilson (Jane) all of Guelph.
Diane was born in Guelph where she attended GCVI and graduated from the General Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. After nursing with VON in Guelph, London and Mississauga, Diane embarked in a successful career in real estate. A role model for her young daughters, she inspired them with her work ethic, tenacity and grace. Always up for an adventure with Brian, they later moved to Muskoka where they enjoyed 20 wonderful years on the lake with new friends. Diane was always an active volunteer in the community and was deeply passionate during her role as President for the Muskoka Bay Property Owners Association.
In 2016, ‘Di and Bri’ moved to Collingwood where they could still overlook the water (but with fewer chores) and, like at their winter home in Florida, friends new and old found her spirit and interests to be both infectious and insatiable. Diane’s curiosity and worldliness was nourished by constant reading, news, bridge and book clubs, and lifelong learning groups. Brian’s and her love of travel included special trips to France and Tuscany, cruises that took them almost around the world and a planned trip to Europe later this spring.
Diane’s careers were nurse and realtor, but could have easily included interior designer, seamstress, pediatrician, landscape architect, dinner table stylist, or politician. She was the ultimate hostess and her dinner parties were formal and classy, yet welcoming and full of life.
Diane was so proud of the women their daughters became and the families they created. Her grandchildren, though soon spread across the country, could always count on a call from Gramma (on the landline, of course) and traditions like the Disney trips or dancing at the Player’s Club.
From childhood, Brian remembers his 'Darling Di' as kind, intelligent, beautiful, the epitome of class, and with a never-ending sense of humour. She was defender of the underdog, unafraid of battle and fiercely loyal. No question was too stupid to be asked, nor undeserving of her thoughtful answer.
Though Diane leaves a huge void and will be missed by many, we are comforted by the knowledge that wherever she went, she left it better by her example and more beautiful by her presence.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Friends may visit Diane’s on-line Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com