Diane Margaret Cameron passed away peacefully in her 77th year on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, surrounded by those she loved.
Daughter of the late George and Theresa Schnob. Beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Cameron. Cherished mother of Caitlin. Honorary mother of Leysa and honorary grandmother of Hilson, Arthur James and Lachlan. Dear friend to many.
Diane was born on August 17th, 1947 in Arnprior, Ontario, where she spent her childhood and teen years. She attended Carleton University in Ottawa as an English major, and later went to Western University for her teaching credentials. During that time, she very much enjoyed the academic life, studying poetry and literature as well as working many interesting jobs such as being the House Mother of the Y in Niagara Falls, being a fitness instructor and dietician, as well as an elevator operator.
After completing her education, Diane taught English at Banting High school in Alliston, an experience made especially meaningful and rewarding due in large part to her fellow teachers in the English department at that time. It was at Banting that she met her husband, Bill.
After leaving Banting, Diane taught for many years at Innisdale Secondary School, and eventually became a much loved guidance counselor. She was passionate about counselling and always wanted to help students in whatever way she could. She genuinely believed in her students and always saw their potential.
In the summers when she wasn’t teaching, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the cottage, first on Kawagama Lake and then later, on Fletcher Lake. Frequent boat rides, swimming in the lake, picnicking, listening to the nightly loon calls, canoeing on the mist-shrouded lake in the moonlight, and the card games filled with laughter and loud music were among some of her favourite times.
Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Diane loved travelling. Whether exploring Europe when she was newly married or participating in Buddha’s Birthday celebration in South Korea or walking on the Great Wall of China, she was always excited for a new adventure. She enjoyed spending time during the winter months in Hilton Head and taking road trips such as one of her favourites to the Everglades and throughout the Florida Keys.
Diane was a very gifted writer and had a beautiful way with words. She loved poetry and literature. Nature. The beauty of the four seasons. Antiquing. Exploring. Cooking. Photography. A good project. Dogs. Decorating for Christmas. Wrapping a gift beautifully. Dinners and conversations with friends. One of her favourite ways to spend a day was to go on a long drive on never-taken-before back roads, seeing where the day would take her.
Diane will be sorely missed but constantly remembered in so many ways. For the many lives she touched, for her kindness and generosity, her optimism, her creative flair, her style, her warmth, her curiosity, her wisdom and wit and her unique and fantastic sense of humour.
Friends will be received at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Monday, November 6th, 2023 from 2-5 pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Simcoe would be appreciated. Condolences online can be made through www.steckleygooderham.com