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DIANE WACHNIAK (ZAHARIA) Obituary pic DIANE WACHNIAK (ZAHARIA) Obituary pic

DIANE WACHNIAK (ZAHARIA)

Born: Mar 26, 1944

Date of Passing: Dec 06, 2019

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DIANE WACHNIAK
March 26, 1944 - December 6, 2019

Suddenly on December 6, 2019 Diane Wachniak (nee Zaharia) passed away peacefully with her family at her side.
She leaves to treasure her memory her loving family, husband of 58 years, Peter; son Dan (Michelle); daughter Marilyn Baziuk (Kelly) and her two grandsons, Mark (girlfriend Alex) and Adam. Both had a special place in her heart. Diane is survived by her sisters-in-law, Kay Swack, Lovey Wachniak, Sophie Wachniak of Winnipeg and brother-in-law Steve (Ollie) Wachniak of Vancouver.
After 75 years, she left us to be with her parents, Mary and Dan A. Zaharia. Diane was predeceased by her father-in-law John and stepmom Anne; sister-in-law Levia (Joe Markewitz); brothers-in-law, Nick, Johnny (Anne), Billy (Vera), Paul, Wally and Mike Swack. She will be missed by family, friends and neighbours, especially childhood friend Dorothy Prochuk; friends, Monica Haavisto, Dodie and Mike Krevesky, Sophie Gordon, Pat Chevrier and special aunty Anne Watson. Over the years we had many family celebrations and get-togethers. The Wachniak and Zaharia families were very near and dear to her heart.
Diane was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Dan and Mary Zaharia. She attended school in Winnipeg. She married the love of her life in September 1961. Diane was a stay-at-home Mom during Marilyn and Danny's school years. Family was everything to her. She was an excellent cook and baker. There was always an abundance of delicious food for everyone and more to take home. She was always making our favourites. Diane especially enjoyed spending time with her grandsons. She spent a lot of time with them. She always welcomed them to come over with their friends all summer long to enjoy the pool. Mark and Adam adored their Baba. Diane was very proud of her grandsons.
She had a love for gardening. Her gardens were a sight to see. She loved her bees and butterflies too! Diane was an animal lover. She always had pet cats her whole life. She always fed the wild animals that lived around her home; deer, rabbits, birds and squirrels. Everyone knew her as a very kind and generous person always thinking of everyone else.
Diane worked with her husband at Peter's Auction sales. They travelled doing antique shows from Victoria to Montreal, working in all the major cities. They made many special friends in their travels. Diane had travelled to a few warm destinations, but her favourite place was Hawaii.
Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street. Rev. Mr. Claude Lambert officiating.
Donations can be made in Diane's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Love you always Diane, Mom and Baba.


Publish Date: Dec 14, 2019

DIANE WACHNIAK
March 26, 1944 - December 6, 2019

Suddenly on December 6, 2019, Diane Wachniak (nee Zaharia) passed away peacefully with her family at her side.
She leaves to treasure her memory, her loving family: husband of 58 years, Peter; son Dan (Michelle); daughter Marilyn Baziuk (Kelly); and her two grandsons, Mark (girlfriend Alex) and Adam.
Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Rev. Mr. Claude Lambert officiating.
Longer obituary to follow in Saturday's paper.


Publish Date: Dec 12, 2019

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2019, Dec 14, 2019

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Just heard today of Diane's passing. Our hearts go out to you Peter, Marilyn, Dan and Family. When my mom had Alzheimer's, the only person she remembered was Diane as the lady with the flowers. I am sure Diane left the same lasting impression with all her friends. - Posted by: Judy Gerbasi & Irene Kuziw (Friends) on: Jan 06, 2020

  • Saddened to hear of Diane's death. During our 23 year relationship as neighbours, we enjoyed trading cat stories and gardening experiences. Diane was a fine person and will be missed by all. - Posted by: Linda Parnell-Bonnie (former neighbour) on: Dec 25, 2019

  • Sincere condolences from Mary Weinmaster and family. - Posted by: Mary Weinmaster and Family (Aunt) on: Dec 16, 2019

  • Marilyn, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Know that there are many thinking of you at this time. - Posted by: Sherrie Moir (Work friend from Carpathia) on: Dec 16, 2019

  • I remember Diane from the days John and Anne Wachniak lived next door to us on Pritchard Avenue and I met Peter before Diane and the family would get together and invite us two teenagers over as Anne had lots of treats. The Wachniaks and their spouses were the best neighbours/friends because our dad passed away when we were 13. Diane always had cheerful smile and her complexion just glowed with her rosy cheeks. 58 years together just flew by but marriage joins 2 people in good times and sad and troubled times but happy memories will never fade. We are so sorry for your loss Peter and family. Our condolences and best wishes for all the tomorrows still to come. - Posted by: Gerri (Yurchak) Page (friend) on: Dec 16, 2019

  • Diane - I met her and Peter after they were married and moved to their first home next door to me and husband Ken on Borebank Street some 57 years ago. There was Diane cheering me on with my fourth new baby girl. The two families lived as best friends for nine years sharing good times with her beautiful children Marilyn and Danny and our girls. She instructed me in Ukraine culture, food, music and dance, which I taught in my life. Thank you Peter for being there when Diane and I stayed up late with laughter and music which she shared with the Gordons. Her values, her laughter, her talents, and friendship have endured thru-out our lives. Contributed by Sophie Gordon (91) - Posted by: Sophie Gordon (Long Time Friend ) on: Dec 14, 2019

  • We are so sad to hear of the passing of Aunty Diane and will fondly remember all the wonderful memories made through the years. Aunty Diane was loved very much and will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy and love is sent to Uncle Peter, Marilyn and Danny, Mark and Adam and all the family and friends left to cherish memories of Aunty Diane. - Posted by: Wendy and Dave Cymbalisty, Pearce, Kristy, Reece and Quinn (family friend) on: Dec 14, 2019

  • Marilyn, your Mom was the kindest and most loving woman you could ever meet. I am so very sorry for her loss of life on earth, but she is now with God in heaven, and is pain free and happy in God's paradise. She will be forever missed by all. - Posted by: Lilly Mehmel (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2019

  • I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Marilyn. She sounds like a very loving person. Condolences to your family. - Posted by: June Pospishell (work friend from Carpathia School) on: Dec 14, 2019

  • Diane was my friend, sister and sole mate. The most beautiful person anyone could ever have in their life. Thank you for all the many years of love and friendship. God has a golden angel in heaven. Prayers of healing thoughts to you Peter, Marilyn and Dan and families. Know that those we love are never really gone, they are cherished in our hearts forever. - Posted by: Dorothy Prochuk (Long time friend) on: Dec 12, 2019

  • Peter, Dan and Marilyn and families, my heartfelt condolences to you all. I have many of Diane’s recipes that remind me of her. I’m not sure which one is my favourite because they’re all excellent. Diane was very kind to me and I appreciate how she influenced me as a young woman. Hugs to you all. - Posted by: Dena Fabian (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2019

Cropo Funeral Chapel

Cropo Funeral Chapel

1442 Main St (Map)
Ph: 2045868044 | Visit Website

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