M.O.M. AKA (DO NOT CALL ME SHIRLEY) DIANE “DOT” HACKER

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M.O.M. AKA (DO NOT CALL ME SHIRLEY) DIANE “DOT” HACKER

March 9, 1953

If you head out to Range Road 164W just outside of Reston, Manitoba, nestled among the prairie field you will still find the remnants of a 1932 Dodge that served as Mom’s most cherished childhood play structure. From these humble farmstead roots eventually grew a mother and grandmother of unmatched strength, dedication, love, and perseverance. But as prairie kids sometimes do, Diane looked to the big city of Brandon for new adventures where she took an early job at the Woolco pharmacy. Down the road, when her 9-3 day job was over, she became the driving force behind the night shift at Aunt Sarah’s restaurant. Her eternal love of fast cars led her to take notice of a handsome stock car driver whom she would (lovingly) bicker with (and keep in line) for the next 50+ years of her life. Together they raised three kids, although Dad always swore that “Diane is the only reason the kids turned out the way they did - I had very little to do with it all.”

As a lifelong resident of Brandon, there was time to establish important rituals and passions. If you ever visited the North Pole and saw the suspended red balls and perfectly trimmed tree (if you know, you know), or experienced her hitting posts in Crokinole, or burned holes in the deck until the wee hours of the morning, you would understand how the simple joy of family time is all she ever needed in life. Beyond her unwavering devotion to her family, our mother had other super powers too: She was immune from the effects of caffeine (a 2am chocolate bar and tea or coffee did not interrupt sleep the slightest) and she was clearly born without any pain receptors. Lastly, growing up in Dot’s house without common remedies such as Advil or Bandaids has resulted in her children being slightly suspicious of all medicines, never ever taking sick days, and incessantly using the phrase: Don’t worry about it, I am fine.

Mama, it’s impossible for us to put into 500 words the full extent of the remarkable life you lived and the way you astonished us at every turn, but the imprints you left on us are unmistakable: 1) Whatever happens, never complain or ask for help (even in life or death situations); 2) Don’t ever be a burden to others; 3) Love and cater to your children and grandchildren at all costs; 4) Always work harder than everyone else but never ask for recognition; and 5) Regardless of what ails you, the cure to everything is a simple trip to the bathroom for a number 2.

As we reflect today Mom, we are eternally grateful to all of the health care professionals who touched your life and poured themselves into your care for the past 17 years - and no, that’s not a typo - just as in life, she really was a warrior who never once thought quitting was an option. Even when we asked you how you were doing in the final days, you resoundingly said “I’m doing awesome!”

Diane’s humble yet ferocious spirit will be carried forth by her children (Tracy, Laird, Jerry, Shauna, Lisa, Jeff), grandchildren (Rylan, Mabel, Josie, Alice, Emerson, and Adler), extended family and friends, all of whom will now be holding down the fort together!

A Celebration of Diane’s Life will take place at the Shady Lane Tea Room (60025 Road 106w, Forrest Station, Manitoba) on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

Given her many medical journeys and long fought battles, please consider any memorial donations you may wish to make to Cancer Care Brandon.

Toodaloo!

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 26, 2025