DIANE VANDERZANDE

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DIANE VANDERZANDE

(nee YOUNG)

1950 - 2025

Diane passed away unexpectedly from a stroke on April 26. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Diane was predeceased by her brother Thom, and parents, Whip and Bea. She will be missed by Nick, her husband of 46 years, sons, Stephen (Nancy, Oliver, Patrick) and Jamie (Laura, Emmie, Jack), sister Barb (Ken), brother Barry (Diana), nieces and nephews, Malina, Matt, Liam, and Carlene. She will also be greatly missed by the VanderZande side, Frank (Diana), Ria, Elly (Jeremy), Shelley, and nieces and nephews, Ian, Greg, Linda, Mark, Justin, Maia, and Mitch.

Diane was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan before heading to the University of Manitoba to become a physiotherapist. She initially came to Kenora in 1973 with the intention of only being here for a year before fate intervened. Diane ended up working at the hospital for 19 years before moving on to the Child Development Centre (Firefly) where she worked with high needs children until retirement. Throughout her career, Diane was considered a leader in clinical education. She mentored and precepted many physiotherapy students over her career and was a big reason why a pediatric placement at the CDC was a valuable and sought after experience.

Diane was always active in volunteering around the community. She spent time as president of the Lung Association before starting her 35 plus years with St. John’s Ambulance. Before her passing, she was still involved with the Kenora Dragon Tamers as Past President, and sitting on the SEAC committee with the KCDSB, continuing her support for local youth with special needs. In recent years as her volunteering slowed down, she kept an active social life and loved meeting her various friend groups for coffee and lunch. Those friendships and connections meant a lot to her.

We would like to thank the nursing staff from the Emergency Department and ICU at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank the family and friends who have stopped in to share stories and support us in this challenging time.

Cremation will take place, and a remembrance service will be held towards the end of July.

In honour of Diane’s memory, please consider donating your time to volunteer or visit someone you love. Monetary donations to causes close to her heart can be made to the Kenora Dragon Tamers, Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, or the Lake of the Woods Community Foundation - Special Olympics Agency Fund.

Kenora Dragon Tamers E-Transfer: dragontamersdonations@gmail.com Cheques: Dragon Tamers, Box 65, Kenora, ON P9N 3X1

LWDH Foundation https://lwdhf.com/donate/

Special Olympics Agency Fund www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/40267

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the VanderZande family may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2025