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Dianne Willena Campbell (nee Williams)

August 20, 2020

S6H2W4U6-20200831145722
July 22, 1934 - August 20, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dianne Willena (Williams) Campbell in Sidney, BC, on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at the age of 86. Dianne was born in Lethbridge, AB, on July 22, 1934, the only child of Jessie (nee McLean) and William "Henry" Williams.
Dianne had the sunniest disposition and a way of charming people with her kindness and conversation. Dianne spent her formative years in Edmonton. After she was orphaned at the age of 14, her beloved Gram and Grampa moved into the family home to raise Dianne.
Dianne first met her future husband and the love of her life, William "Bill" Campbell, in Grade 6 Sunday School. Mom and Dad loved their years Strathcona High School, aka "Scona", and formed lifelong friendships there. Dad said Mom was the "prettiest girl in the school", and Mom said Dad was "the nicest boy in the school".
Dianne worked as a bookkeeper at Alberta Government Telephones while Dad worked his way through medical school at University of Alberta. Several years and 4 kids later, with stints in Cleveland and Flint, Dad did his post graduate training in Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Although Mom had given up her paid work, Dad knew she was working even harder than he was, looking after 4 kids aged 5 and under, and caring for her ailing grandmother.
With a move to Calgary in 1967, the family had many happy years and developed strong relationships within the community of Willow Park, where Dianne and Bill purchased their first family home. Mom was always happiest with a house full of people, and was welcoming of all our friends, in Calgary or at the condo in Windermere.
While initially reluctant to leave Calgary, Dianne grew to love their simple life in Sidney, BC in their later years. She loved to spend time painting and would always try to say hello to at least 3 people on her daily walk. Summers were her favourite time when the grandkids came to visit.
Mom never wanted much for herself. She wasn't about fancy clothes or jewelry, she never wore make up (and was still so beautiful) and wasn't the type to go to a spa to get pampered, she wasn't bothered about what she drove or the hotels they stayed in when they traveled, which she loved to do. Mom reveled in the little things - a phone call out of the blue, a pleasant afternoon spent painting something special for someone special, time spent preparing the annual calendar for her family and friends with the important dates specially captured just for each of us. She loved her dogs Lady and Muffin, and all of her Grandogs.
During the COVID crisis, our brother Bill moved in with Mom and Dad to help with their care. He gave Mom the attention and care she loved and was a soft place for Dad to escape the harsh realities of Mom's steady decline. For that, the family will be endlessly grateful.
Dianne will be so dearly missed by her loving husband Bill, her sons William "Bill" (Monique), Douglas (Charlene), Jeffrey (Leanne), and daughter Jane Ann "Janie" (Travis); as well as by her much loved grandkids McLean (Vivian), Taylor (Tina), Riley, Dani, Liam, and Bryn.
Thank you all for your love and support during this difficult time. As Mom liked to remind us, "It's a good life". In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider giving to the Salvation Army, a cause dear to Mom's heart: and try saying hello to 3 strangers you pass today, it's a gift that costs nothing and can brighten a day.
Rest In Peace, Mom. Heaven will be a happier place with you in it. Love will endure.
To express condolences, please visit: www.victoriacremations.ca
Victoria Cremation Services