Diane STUEMER

STUEMER, Diane Elizabeth (nee King) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Stuemer on March 15, 2003, aged 43 years. Beloved wife of Herbert, dear mother of Michael, Jonathan and Christopher, Ottawa, and cherished daughter of Jeanette and Frank King, Calgary. Her memory will be treasured by her siblings and families: Linda (Bill) Maslechko and Katie, Sarah and Jenna; David (Christine) King and Zoe; Stephen (Kimberley) King and Vanessa, James and Carter, all of Calgary; and sister-in-law Waltraud (Helmut) Heinrich and Marco and Nancy of Berlin, Germany. Diane lived her life with passion, determination and courage, and touched many hearts, excelling as a business woman, adventurer, philanthropist, public speaker and author. She was born in Sarnia, Ontario on June 23, 1959, and lived in Edmonton and Calgary before moving to Ottawa in 1977. She graduated with first class honours in Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa. She was President of Hi-Rise Communications Inc. with operations in Ottawa and Montreal and was honoured as one of the Top 40 Business Women under 40 in Ottawa. Diane, Herbert and their three sons circumnavigated the globe in their 42-foot ketch for four years, leaving a legacy of humanitarian support on Palmerston Island, in Borneo, Indonesia and particularly in Kilifi, Kenya, with the generous support of hundreds of Canadians who continue to contribute towards the Northern Magic Fund for International Development. In addition to writing 211 columns for the Ottawa Citizen during their adventure, Diane authored "The Voyage of the Northern Magic, A Family Odyssey" which is a Canadian bestseller. She challenged and inspired others to follow their dreams and live the "big life" by making a difference in the world. Diane was presented with the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee medal in recognition of her humanitarian efforts. The family extends our most sincere thanks to Dr. John Seely, and the doctors and nurses at the Ottawa General Hospital for their compassionate care. The support from friends and neighbours with gifts of prayers, food and kindness has been most appreciated. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street on Tuesday, March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, March 19 from 1 to 3 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of Diane's life will be held at Dominion Chalmers United Church 355 Cooper Street (at O'Connor), Ottawa on Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Joseph Burke officiating. There will be a private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations addressed to "The Northern Magic Fund for International Development," 565 Brookridge Crescent, Orleans, ON K4A 1Z3, or to the Canadian Cancer Society for Melanoma Research would be greatly appreciated.