Obituary of Dora Diane Calder

The family of Diane Calder is shocked and deeply saddened to announce her sudden passing at home on September 23. Diane was born on May 20, 1948 in Penticton. She moved with her family to Nelson in 1951 and then to Cranbrook in 1959. After high school graduation and the completion of grade 13 at Mount Baker Senior Secondary, she was accepted to St. Paul's School of Nursing and graduated in 1970. She held various positions throughout her nursing career in Cranbrook before she retired from Interior Health in 2003. Her calm, caring personality was perfectly suited for the chosen profession she loved, always displaying kindness and concern for her patients, their families as well as her staff. On October 10, 1970, Diane and Bill were married in Nelson and they started their life together in Vancouver, a journey that would last 49 years. Mike was born in 1972, the family moved to Cranbrook a year later and Debbie was born in 1975. In 2006, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but her determined nature would not let her back down from the disease and she continued to exercise six days a week. She survived breast cancer in 2008 and throughout all her treatments, she never complained. Totally selfless and kind hearted, she would always put the needs of family and friends before her own. With her great zest for life and a sparkle to her smile she loved making everyone welcome in her home. Her favorite spot was to gather with friends and family around her flowers and water feature and enjoy the beauty of the backyard that she had created. Diane's greatest love was for her family especially her four grandchildren. She was never happier then when she was watching them with so much pride as they participated in their various activities. She was their Grandma but she was also their special friend, their confidant and number one supporter, always with a quiet word of advice or reassurance when needed. We are heart broken. We have lost our rock, our ray of sunshine. But we are comforted by her legacy, the memories of who she was and her love for all of us. Diane is survived by her husband and best friend Bill, son Mike, daughter Debbie (Leon) Reid, grandchildren Paityn, Jayce, Tristan, and Trace, stepmother Colleen, sister Barb Falasca, brothers Harold (Laurie), Bob (Catherine), Al (Sue), Lloyd (Marilyn), brother-in-law Bruce, her aunt Dozy and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father (Ed) and mother (Joan). A celebration of her life will be held at the Colombo Lodge on October 4 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Diane Calder to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health at www.ekfh.ca. Their address is 13- 24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 3H9 Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com