Dianne Styffe

(MILDRED) DIANNE STYFFE April 2, 1937 to June 6, The peaceful passing of Dianne Styffe at Roseview Manor in the early morning of June 6th, brings to an end the exceptional life of a very unique individual. Dianne provided a distinct specialness to her family and to those who knew and loved her that had a profound affect. She will be sorely missed. Although Dianne's life has been a challenge for her, in Dianne's case these challenges were embraced with good humour, courage and fortitude. Dianne never viewed herself as a disabled person, just someone with a "few problems". Born the elder daughter of Mildred and John Styffe (deceased), Dianne lived her life in the family home at the corner of Wolseley and Farrand Streets. She attended St. James, Shuniah and Hillcrest schools where she was able to obtain a basic education and followed this with a course at Kings Business College where she proudly obtained her bookkeeping certification. She also spent a year at the Ontario College of Art. While her artistic pursuits provided her much enjoyment she used her bookkeeping skills for several years working at "No. 5 Dock" for the family businesses, Oscar Styffe Ltd. and Gravel Lakes Services. After the businesses closed, Dianne busied herself at home with her special "projects" and for many years as a Regal Rep. Later in life, the opportunity for further training with the March of Dimes led to a sales job at their lottery booth. Dianne loved the social interaction this allowed and the great sense of accomplishment it gave her when she balanced her books at the end of the day. Not one to be idle, when her days of employment were over Dianne turned to volunteering and through the coordinated efforts of David Silliman, then minister at Knox United, became his "volunteer assistant" attending with him at nursing homes for the chapel services. Theirs was a very special relationship. In the photo Dianne proudly wears her volunteer pins and others recognizing her years of service to Regal. One of the highlights of Dianne's life was her trip to Maizieres, France in May of 2001 to witness the dedication of that town's main street to the memory of her uncle, Major E.G. Styffe who died on August 1944 in that village. Dianne traveled with a group who included family members and representatives of the Lake Superior Regiment. The experience and the friendships made in that faraway village were memories Dianne cherished over the past eleven years. When Dianne could no longer manage in her family home, she accepted the move to Roseview Manor in 2008 although it required huge adjustments on her part. She was always delighted that her residence was in the same neighbourhood where she had grown up and was in fact, the exact location where she had attended school. Dianne loved people. Meeting, greeting, chatting and telling stories was never a problem for her. Her parents gave her as normal a life as they possibly could at a time when there were few support systems in place. She had a large loving extended family and was especially close to her cousins. Dianne is survived by her sister, Maureen Crane (David) of Burlington, her nephews Andrew Crane (Tara), Jordan Crane (Wendy) and Julie Crane (Brian Pare) and great nephews, Samuel, Charlie, Hugh, Elliot, and great niece, Maya. She loved them all deeply. Her room at Roseview is filled with their photos and special momentos, in particular, the ones from the children. Certain people were indispensable to Dianne in more recent years. Her cousin, Lenore Hoover, has been a central mainstay for the whole family and a loving, caring friend to Dianne. Susan LeBlanc has visited Dianne faithfully and taken care of her personal needs. Visitors from Elder Care, and Bayshore Home Health, in particular, Doreen Dayton, brought joy, comfort and friendship. The family is also grateful to the staff at Roseview who attended to Dianne's special needs over the past four years. In addition, Dianne's affiliation with Knox Church and all the wonderful members of the congregation who were so kind to her gave her life deep meaning on many levels. Thank you. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Knox United Church at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 8th with Rev. David Silliman officiating."