There are not words to express the depths of our sorrow as we announce the passing of Diane at the Sault Area Hospital with her family by her side on September 20, 2023, only 9 days after the passing of her father Harold Newman. Left behind to mourn her loss are her mother Madelyn Newman (nee Longarini), her sister Suzanne, her brother-in-law and buddy Anthony Chiverelli whom she affectionately referred to as Anton, special "Auntie Di" to Joey, Jimmie and JuJu, cherished aunts, uncles and cousins and her treasured friend from childhood Cindy Bouchard.
Diane was an amazing and devoted secondary school teacher and changed many young lives for the better as we have often been told by her former students over the years. She made a difference in this world and cared so deeply about those around her. She was intelligent, fiercely loyal, a champion for the underdog and always willing to lend a helping hand whether you were a loved one or a stranger in distress. She was a truly unique individual, with a quick wit, a gift for artistry, and a love of nature. She enjoyed hiking, swimming, kayaking, and going to the dog park with her beloved and faithful companion, her standard poodle Lola.
On February 10th of 2010, tragedy struck her young life. On her way to work that morning Diane suffered a catastrophic motor vehicle accident that rendered her a quadriplegic and unable to speak. For over 13 years she fought to stay with us battling numerous life-threatening infections and the daily trials of being locked in a body that now imprisoned her. Despite this unimaginable adversity she persevered and taught us many very difficult life lessons as we lived this new reality along side of her. Diane managed to communicate rather effectively through her various facial expressions. There was nothing better or brought us more joy than when she would give us a little smile and nothing more heart wrenching than when a single tear would roll down her cheek. The best part of all of our days was when we were with her. She was the centre of our world and the loss we feel cannot be measured. We take comfort knowing that she is how free and has been welcomed into her father Harold's open arms as she journeyed from this life into the next. Until next we meet Sweet Pea, all of our love.
We would like to thank our extended family at Van Daele who have cared for Diane and us for all of these years. We are truly grateful and feel blessed to have known you. You cared for Diane as if she was your own with dignity and kindness. We knew that when we left in the evening, she was safe, comfortable, and well cared for. You gave us the gift of peace of mind.
We would also like to thank the many, many medical professions who have cared for Diane over the years and most recently at Sault Area Hospital, Dr. Castellani, Dr. Mandur, Dr. Jarrett, Dr. Bishop, Dr Ghosh, the teams at 3B, 3C and the ICU. We would also like to thank 2 extraordinary nurses in the ICU who made Diane's final hours more comfortable and treated us with such compassion and kindness. We are so very thankful.
In keeping with Diane's wishes there was no service and cremation has taken place. Given Diane's great love of animals, memorial donations to the SSM Humane Society would be greatly appreciated (Payable online https://ssmhumanesociety.ca/ or by cheque).
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to share memories or leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St., 705-759-8456.