Diane E. HETHERINGTON

DIANE E. HETHERINGTON Diane E. Hetherington, aged 68 passed away August 13, 2011, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. A Celebration of Family and Friends: We are all connected and each of us contributes to the growth and development of others. In this special celebration of family and friends, I should like to recognize and celebrate those who have contributed to my life, through mentorship, support and love. Firstly family: Mom and Dad supported, nurtured, recognized and helped develop any talents I may have had. What a loving challenge for them but it certainly made for a rich childhood for me, My three younger brothers; Don, David and Lloyd, eminently talented in their own rights and with their keen senses of humour made all family gatherings truly memorable, Good Friends ­ How rich a circle of support; For 25 years, Cheryl Harawitz and Joan Parks-Hubley and I have formed the WWW (Women's Wild Weekends). We have become truly intimate friends, to whom I could tell anything. And also Colleen Abdullah, to whom I could tell anything for 40 years! And I can't forget the Supper Bunch, who have met steadfastly for years of fun and conversation ­ Cheryl, Joan, Elizabeth Greenhavens, Sheila Cole, Claire Chrisitie, Carole Blackmore, Catherine Young and Johanne Caron. The People at Breakthrough where I was a most happy family therapist for fifteen years; Carolyn Humphreys and Maria MacKenzie-Cann, my wonderful teachers and mentors. I also celebrate the rest of the Breakthrough team ­ Michael Belgrave, Joann Dorann, Roger Godin, Ken Osbourne and Laurie Tracy, who greatly influenced me in the practice of therapy. And also our practice managers who kept me organized ­ Joan Cusac and her husband Ralph Daly, Rebecca Humphries, and Lorraine Hall. And to all my client families from whom I learned so much about being helpful. And now, further back in time, to Joy Goudge, always brimming with ideas as we developed Project Get Set, our Relationship and Sexuality staff training project funded by government through the Canadian Association of Community Living and continues to this day. And to the Parent Project, so ably managed by Joanne Mariott-Thorne from 1988-1990, who along with other parent trainers like Johanne Morrell and parent participants who helped me write 'Shared Feelings', a book for parents whose teens had developmental disabilities. My dear friend Colleen designed the cover of the book. I interviewed some of these families and grew to love them and to learn most everything I know about how to help families of children with special needs. I also owe a huge debt of thanks to Professor Jon Sumarah of Acadia University who encouraged me to complete an Ed.D. in Psychology at OISE. At Acadia was where I met the indefatigable Victor Fenton. He was responsible for helping me understand the deep feeling, pain, sorrow and joy of what it means to be truly human. We lost him much too soon. There was much more to learn from him about being totally honest. I wish he were still here. I miss him every day. And even further back, I met Dr. Pam Brown of Planned Parenthood , a true mentor indeed, whose friendship and council I shall always value. And to my wonderful university nursing friends. Dear Mary Kovacs came east last year and filled me with love and nourishing soups. And others have kept in touch ­ Kathy Douglas, Judy McKay, Lois Tooke, and Carolyn Swindell. And to Cathy Hodgins who has been my steadfast childhood friend from the age of 9 and never gives up on me even when I have only been in sporadic touch. And to my wonderful children Geoff and Ted, daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Alison and our three grandchildren, Alistair, Lydia and Ian in whom I delight to watch grow and develop. And to Tim Walker, whose knowledge and empathic support has helped me navigate this final life journey. And finally, to Joe Maksym, my husband of 47 years, whose quiet nature, dry sense of humour and unwavering support despite my peccadillos has sustained me always. I shall miss you all. Those who wish can donate to any of my favourite charities listed below: 1. Regional Residential Services Society, Dartmouth NS 2. Nature Conservancy of Canada 3. Stephen Lewis Grandmothers Campaign 4. Plan Canada 'Because I am a girl' Fund ­ Diane A celebration of family and Friends will be held at Oakwood House, 20 Boathouse Lane, Dartmouth, Wednesday, August 17, 6-9 p.m.