On October 6, 2018, after a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). Dianna passed away peacefully in her sleep in her 73rd year. Dianna was pre-deceased by her husband Bill (2011) to whom she was married to for 45 years and was the loving mother of William- Lee Raymond (Gina) and Steven Neil (Jackie). Dianna was “gramma” to 5 grandsons: Reginald, Raymond, Ryan, Turner and Rudyard and one granddaughter, Rheannon. Dianna was born in Toronto on August 24, 1945, the only child to a single mother (Rose Gillard) and while she spent most of her youth in Toronto, she also lived in Saskatoon and Vancouver at times. In 1975, Dianna moved her family to Barrie to raise their family in a smaller community. Her home was one where the neighbourhood kids felt comfortable to convene as Dianna had gotten to know many of them through her volunteer work at the local public school. Dianna worked for 25 years as the secretary at Inniswood Baptist church in Barrie before retiring at the end of 2010 to care for her husband. Around that same time Dianna was diagnosed with COPD, a disease she valiantly and stubbornly battled up to her passing, far exceeding physician’s expectations. Dianna spent the last few years in a retirement home and long-term care center in Parry Sound. Dianna will be sorely missed by her loved ones, and the many friends she collected over the years. Guests will be received at Steckley-Gooderham funeral home, 201 Minet’s Point Rd, Barrie, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm on Friday October 19. A celebration of Dianna’s life will be held at Inniswood Baptist Church, 460 Yonge St., Barrie, on Saturday October 20 starting at 11 am. Visitation from 10 am. A reception will follow the service. Donations in memory of Dianna may be made to the Salvation Army or Inniswood Baptist Church and are greatly appreciated.
