Diane Louise Mayer (Pedersen)
August 12, 1948 ~ July 3, 2016
We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you shall remain,
To walk with us, throughout our lives
Until we meet again.
- Chantia Chisolm
We, as family, are honoured to share a few words to celebrate the life of our incredible wife, mother, sister and friend, Diane Louise Mayer (Pedersen). She shared her laughter, love and silly sense of humour with all of us and always brightened the day of all who she came across.
Diane was born in Creston on August 12, 1948. Her brothers and sisters have fond memories of Diane as a brave, strong, daring child who knew her mind. The kids were constantly playing outside together and raiding the many orchards around the Valley. Her brothers and sisters were so close - they were best friends then and now.
After high school, Diane attended business college in Trail, BC. Her first administrative job was in Nelson, BC before moving to Vancouver, BC to work as an executive assistant at Lafarge Cement. Mom lived life to the fullest during her short time in Vancouver -as revealed by her high-piled beehives and her short dresses. Her partner-in-crime and lifetime best friend Sandi Barton (Lerioux) was always at her side.
Diane married Jerry Mayer in a small service in Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1971. The love-struck couple was set to elope, but their parents discovered the secret and the elopement quickly turned into a small ceremony. It was a non-traditional start for our non-traditional family. The family expanded to include two daughters, Michelle and Nicole, whom she cherished and loved with her whole heart, and blessed them with her zany and witty sense of humour.
Diane began work at the high school when her kids were school-aged and started charming the hearts of all the students and the staff while exceptionally performing her work - she gave it her whole heart. All knew her as a person who did extraordinary work and cared, listened, and counselled so many. She always knew how to pay each and everyone of us a genuine compliment on our darkest days. She earned the title as "Mommy Mayer" to many.
When Diane moved over to work at the elementary schools, once again she brought her love, humour and wit to the younger generation of students. Always having a kind word or a spare apple for anyone in need of one or the other. Diane loved children as evidenced by all the children who called her "Gramma Di Di".
Diane enjoyed slo-pitch, golf, skiing and camping with the family. Sunday dinner was important to her and the menu was usually roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. We’re guessing it was her favourite.
One of her greatest joys was spoiling her grandchildren, Alexa and Lia, with treasures, treats, hugs and kisses. She loved them so much.
Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2014. Her strength and determination to live allowed her to outlive anyone's expectations. She was one of the few people to ever leave palliative care better than when she went in. She may have transitioned on, but her magic is all around us.
Diane passed on July 3, 2016 in the beautiful Butterfly Room - surrounded by her loving family. We thank all of the wonderfully caring doctors, nurses and care aids that supported Diane and her family on this journey. She loved you all and very much appreciated her royal treatment.
Memorial donations may be made to support the wonderful services provided by Creston Valley Hospice Society.