Obituary of Diane Muriel Halliwell

HALLIWELL, Diane Muriel (nee Bush/McPherson)- It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane on Friday, August 15, 2008, at Hospice Niagara, in her 67th year. Dear Mother of Lynn (Terry) Stead and Tracey Halliwell. Much loved Nana to Joel, Jake & Emily McCready and Brandon Stead. Dear Sister to Joyce (John) Klassen, Doug (Anita) Bush, Robert (Theresa) Bush, David (Peggy) McPherson and sister in law to Don Hodgins. Diane is survived by her Aunt Ella Pirie and Joanne & Ian Duff who were very special to her and also survived by many cousins, nieces & nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents Doug & Mary McPherson and by her sister Patricia Hodgins. Diane will be missed greatly by her many friends, co-workers and neighbours. A retiree of General Motors after 25 years, Diane had a strong work ethic and instilled these values in her daughters. Her love of cooking was experienced by many as she took great pride in planning, preparing and presenting amazing meals to those she loved. She was a proud pet-owner who cared deeply for her many loyal pets and dearly missed her recently departed Bixby. Diane enjoyed golf, crosswords, knitting and getting together with friends and family for barbeques at her home. Diane battled cancer for over 20 years always beating the odds and lived to see another day. She tackled her illness as she tackled her life, with persistence, hard work and determination. As her time came closer, Diane asked that a special mention be made of her Dear Sister Joyce, whom she could not have managed as long without Joyce's patience, caring and devoted companionship throughout her illness. A special thank you to Dr. Giesbrecht and her staff, and to Diane's home-care nurse Nancy. At Diane's request cremation has taken place. A gathering to celebrate Diane's life will take place at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.. Diane requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice Niagara to assist them in continuing to provide others with the same AMAZING care and compassion that she received in her final days. "Rest easy now Mom, free of pain. We will hold your memory with us each day and will make you proud from afar. Know that you gave us all you had and we grew from that to give to our children. You were the pillar of our family without doubt and have instilled lasting values in us to carry forward. Rest easy now Mom, your journey was good." Love Lynn & Tracey