Obituary of Dianne Faye Wray

Dianne was born in Olds, Alberta on December 29, 1945, along with her twin brother, Danny, to Clara (née Heins) and Nels Blain. As only one baby was expected, it was quite a surprise to be welcoming twins to the world, to add to the large Blain family. A year or so later, Dianne and Danny were joined by their younger brother Kenny, and they became “the little kids”, undoubtedly watched over and teased by their ten older siblings, as well as their many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who often visited the farm. What the Blain family may have lacked in material possessions, they more than made up for with their quick wit, colourful turns of phrase, and entertaining stories of life on the farm, without electricity, running water, or telephone, walking to and from Eagle Hill School. 

From an early age, Dianne had a sense of independence and appreciated that she would need to be able to support herself in the world. As a result, she took a nursing program at Alberta Hospital in Ponoka, which allowed her to work while she studied. In the summer of 1968, Dianne achieved her Registered Nurse designation and married Gordon Wray. In the early 1970s, Dianne focussed on raising her family, first welcoming son Phillip and then daughter Lynnette. In those early years, Dianne appreciated the support from the extended Wray family, especially having Aunty Ruth and Uncle Eldon down the road. Dianne and Gordon saw the potential for new ventures, which included moves to Irricana, Daysland, Fairview, Sexsmith, Creston, Cranbrook, and Didsbury. 

Dianne was very proud to be a Registered Nurse, and, in the 1980s, she joined a group of intrepid women in the Fairview area in pursuing their Bachelor of Nursing degrees via distance education through Athabasca University. After many teleconference courses and through the use of a classic Radio Shack computer, Dianne completed her Bachelor’s degree. Ever the life-long learner, in the early 2000s, she completed her Master’s degree, once again through Athabasca University. Dianne had a long and fulfilling career as a nurse, including working in acute care, long-term care, home care, and community mental health. It was not unusual for fellow professionals to note that her diminutive stature belied a keen intelligence and formidable determination.

When Dianne and Gordon parted ways, Dianne, then in her mid-50s, purchased her own house in Didsbury, renovating it and making it into a cozy home. 

Dianne was thrilled to take on the new title of Nana, welcoming her grandchildren, Kirk and Skye, in the late 2000s. After making regular trips to visit Baby Skye, Nana retired and moved to Cranbrook, when Kirk was six-months old. This kicked off a new era of quality time with Nana, including two trips to Hawaii, visits to Fairmont Hot Springs, and regular trips to see family in Alberta. After ten years in her condo in Cranbrook, Dianne made the move to Kootenay Street Village, where she made many friends, including her special friend, Joel Vinge.

Over the last decade, Dianne faced several health challenges with great resilience, surviving breast cancer and coping with Parkinsons Disease by keeping active with her Wii, stationary bike, yoga, walking, and bowling. More recently, Dianne was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, which eventually led to acute myeloid leukemia.

Dianne passed away on April 24, 2023 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, BC.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents, Clara and Nels, her brothers, John, Bill, Louis, Joe, and Glen, her sisters, Mildred and Hazel, and infant grandson, Ewan. She is survived by her siblings Pat, Shirley, Marj, Dan, and Ken, as well as her son, Phillip, her daughter, Lynnette, son-in-law Ross Robertson, grandchildren, Skye and Kirk, and many extended family members.

The family would like to share their heartfelt thanks with Dr. Sarah Chesney, for her compassionate and dedicated care, as well as Dr. Kevin McIver, Dr. Ashlee King, Fisher Peak Family Practice, the local paramedics, and the EKRH Emergency Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies to support a scholarship for aspiring nursing students: online credit card donations via https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/give?ID=a0eAh000000eogvIAA, e-transfer to Lynnette.Wray@CFKRockies.ca -- including the donor’s full contact information in the notes, or cheques to CFKR, Box 242, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4H8.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, 11:00 am MT, at the McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook, BC. The service will be live-streamed and will be followed by a light lunch.