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DIANE MARY ROSS (PAULLEY)
Born: Jul 31, 1940
Date of Passing: Jul 02, 2022
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DIANE MARY ROSS
(nee PAULLEY)
July 31, 1940 – July 2, 2022
Our beloved wife, Mom, Nana, Great-Nana, and sister died in Ottawa, ON after a short illness.
Born in Winnipeg to Mary Alice (nee Sinclair) and Andrew Russell Paulley, Diane was raised in and spent a large part of her life in Transcona.
She began her public education in Central School, graduated from TCI, and then went on to earn a BScHE from the U of M. This degree led to a teaching career and her lifelong creation of welcoming homes, creative meals, "fashionable" clothes, and beautifully handcrafted gifts for her family and friends.
Diane and her first husband, Tom Bate, raised their 4 children at 20 Park Circle – a very loving and active household! They were loyal parishioners of St. George's Anglican Church. We all benefited from the exuberance and enthusiasm she exhibited throughout her life - in her love of music (as church organist and as a member of the choir), gardening, and family camping expeditions.
Eventually, Diane became a staff training consultant at Employment and Immigration Canada in Winnipeg. In 1993 she moved to Victoria, BC, where she opened a new branch for Employment and Immigration Canada, and where she would be closer to her sons and her sister. (Coincidentally, the gardening season was longer, too.) Once retired, she enjoyed being an active member and President of the Victoria CN Pensioners Assoc.
In 2005, Diane's life began a new when John Ross, also from Transcona, contacted her. Back when both were attending the U of M, John had been Diane's carpool driver, and over a 3-year period they had become the best of friends. They were both amazed and delighted to be with each other again.
The following year she joined John in Iroquois, ON, where she spent her last 16 years gardening to her heart's content during the summer and basking in the warmth of their Florida home in winter. John and Diane married in 2009. During their beautiful life together, they travelled the world by air, land, and water.
Diane gave 100% of herself in everything she did. Our hearts ache with her departure from this life.
In addition to her soulmate, John, she leaves behind her children and grandchildren, whom she treasured: David (Sue) Bate, grandsons Ryan (Kayla) and Jordan; Tim (Caroline King) Bate, grandchildren Vanessa (Michael) and Mason; Jennifer (Dean) Sykes, grandchildren Jessica (Malcolm), Bailey, Nicole (Brett) and great-grandson Oliver; Andrew (Kelly Foley) Bate, grandsons Kaden (Cleo) and Daniel; John's family: David (Sue) Ross, grandchildren Melissa and AJ; John's son-in-law Jordan Robertson, grandchildren Johnathan (Olga) and Ross; her sister, Lynda Paulley and nephews Michael and James Pasta (Diane's Godchildren) and their families.
A memorial service will be held at St. George's Anglican Church, 321 Pandora Ave. West, Transcona at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022, with a reception to follow.
If desired, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Diane's honour.
"Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." — Anonymous
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2022
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Thinking of you all. We were sorry to miss Diane’s Memorial Service a week back. She was a dear friend during our university days, full of life and enthusiasm. Bless you all as you work through all of this. Your lives have been so much richer because of her. Shirley Lawrence - Posted by: Shirley Lawrence (Old friend) on: Aug 28, 2022
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A shared childhood, growing up in Transcona, and St. George’s Church and Sunday School, Central School all the activities associated: clubs choir, concerts; a community! Diane’s dad was active in local politics and served as leader of the NDP. My husband was his successor, and was a Cabinet Minister. I remember receiving an award from Diane for community service. Thanks Diane. Sympathy to Lynda and John and family for the loss of a wonderful person. - Posted by: Wilma Hewitson Parasiuk (Transcona, St. George’s Anglican Church, Central School, Teaching, The New Democratic Party) on: Aug 20, 2022
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I remember Diane fondly in the earlier years when we all lived in Transcona. I lost touch over the years but I know her family was always close. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Victor Pasta (Brother in law) on: Aug 08, 2022
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Lynda my sincere sympathy on the passing of your sister. I remember her so well Do take care /Cheryl (Odette) - Posted by: Cheryl (Odette) Hnatiuk (School friend) on: Aug 06, 2022