DIANE ILIENE BYERS (HOWITT)

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DIANE ILIENE BYERS
(nee HOWITT)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Diane Byers, Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home, at the age of 81 years.
Diane was predeceased by her father and mother, Ken and Iliene Howitt; brother-in-law Glen Hunter and first husband and soulmate, David Siskewich.
Left to miss Diane and cherish her memory is Don, her beloved husband of 43 years and daughters, Debra (Barry) Tomiski of Winnipeg and Delene (Chris) Emick of Virginia; as well as grandsons, Devin and Travis Tomiski of Winnipeg and Joshua, Zachary and Matthew Emick of North Carolina; sister Mimi Hunter of Brandon and nephews, Mark Hunter of Ontario, Dean Hunter and Jeff (Dena) Hunter of Brandon and their sons. Diane always had room in her heart for her stepdaughters, Lynda (Buck) Halloran of Arizona and Patti Woods of BC. She loved her step-grandchildren, Kim (Nick) Smith of New Jersey and Tim (Kelcey) Gault of Texas, Anson and Grayson Woods of BC and the little great-grandkids.
Diane lived for her family and the many reasons to celebrate, never missing special suppers and memorable occasions for her girls and grandchildren, attending many graduations from kindergarten to university and with her fine sense of music, tolerated numerous Christmas concerts.
Diane was an excellent hostess and self-made gourmet cook taking elegant dining at Ditch Lake to a whole new level. She was well remembered for keeping her table set with fine china at all times and changed the look each season. It always looked beautiful. Diane and Don were the ultimate hosts at their cabin One for the Ditch, welcoming old friends and family and quick to make new friends and then adopted everyone else's family in the process.
Diane was a caring and community minded person, giving of her time and wisdom as a member of the Erickson Women's Institute for twenty years, two years as president in the local. Diane was an active member in the Erickson Lutheran Church and hosted Bible study in her home. Given that Don's fine wine was the beverage of choice, there were no problems with attendance. Diane volunteered in the Erickson Hospital's Palliative Care Unit, providing support to families in their grief. Diane believed no one should die alone. She was known at Ditch Lake for bringing a pot of her famous sweet and sour meatballs and rice to any household that had lost a loved one. Diane was also known as the Cat Lady, feeding and nurturing many mama cats and their kittens.
Diane loved fun and dressing up, which was evidenced by her collection of red hats and unique purple clothes as a member of the Red Hat ladies. Diane always looked dynamite in a hat. Diane loved her girlfriends throughout life, getting into madcap adventures with them from youth to maturity, especially the "widows." You know who you are and can smile at the memories.
We would like to express our gratitude for the care Diane received at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home and the compassionate staff on the West Wing Covid-19 unit.
As per Diane's wishes, cremation will take place and an opportunity to celebrate the life of this magnificent woman will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home at a later date.
In acknowledgement of Diane's love of cats and helping anyone in need, donations in her memory may be made to the Craig Street Cats animal shelter or Siloam Mission, both in Winnipeg.

When I am Gone
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile,
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done,
Forget that I ever had a heartache
And remember I've had lots of fun.
Forget that I have stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way,
Remember I have fought
Some hard battles and won,
Ere the close of the day,
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay
And come in the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west,
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

For those who wish to sign the online Guest
Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020