DIANE MCCLELLAN

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• John, Wendy, Shannon and Susie My sincere condolences on your loss. Yesterday I was taking a trip down memory Lane and thought I would like to reconnect with Diane. I was saddened when I learned of her recent passing. Wish that I had reached out sooner. I don’t know if you remember my family but we are going back to nursery school days in Beamsville. You moved and we moved and we lost touch. Diane was always cheerful and willing to help. In fact she volunteered to have my kids Jennifer and Andrew stay with you while we went to a conference in Hawaii. I also have an image of her picking flowers in the field by my house and putting together a wildflower arrangement for nursery school graduation. She was someone you could count on. What a loss this must be for you. Hope you can take comfort in the memories of the wonderful person she was. Laima Melnychuk - Posted by: Laima Melnychuk (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2023

• John, Shannon, Wendy and Susie, Diane was a wonderful person in so many ways. Diane, was a super kind and caring person to me. In our teenage years I would often call her on the phone and say, "Hi Diane. It's me, Emergency." She would truly listen and always was there to offer help and suggestions to me. In our last conversations when life was fading for Diane, she continued to listen and be there as a great friend. Diane was great at so many things and willing to do so many things. We were both left handed but that didn't stop her from talking me into doing the sport of fencing with her. Diane was super at sewing. She made her own grade 9 graduation dress, whereas I relied on my mom to make mine. However, we did think alike in many ways. Without at first knowing it, we both each ended up with the very same grade 9 homemade dress in the very same fabric and color. Above everything, Diane was a giver...a giver of the heart. John, Shannon, Wendy, and Susie, Diane will always be there, right there in your heart. May you find comfort in knowing she is always there to listen. Love, Shirley - Posted by: Shirley O'Brien (friend) on: Aug 14, 2023

• John, Shannon, Wendy, Susie and family, We were so sorry to hear the news of Diane's death. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Although we haven't been in close contact in recent years, we often think back with fond memories to the 5 years during which we lived across the street from your family on Rochester Avenue. Diane was the first neighbour we met upon moving there from Ottawa and she welcomed us with open arms. She was a true friend to all and so generous with her time and talents! It was through Diane's influence that I became involved with our local Brownie Pack as well as Pembina South Y Neighbours. I will always treasure the many memories of great times spent with Diane! Mary Lou and Bruce Swarbrick, Calgary, AB - Posted by: Mary Lou Swarbrick (Friend) on: Aug 11, 2023

• John ….condolences to you and your family at the passing of Diane. Her kind and generous spirit will be sadly missed by so many. Although we moved away 12 years ago it is like yesterday that we lived next door to you and your family. Diane was a special friend, and a wonderful caring person, and the best next door neighbor you could have. I have so many great memories of being young wives and mother’s who shared our daily lives with an open door friendship. Diane was always there, whether it was help with a craft, a recipe, or emotional support during trying times. The grass between our house worn down by a path created by kids and adults as we moved between our houses many times a day. Bruce even kept that path clear during the winter 😊. Sadness and tears right now at her loss, but so many fond memories to treasure, when remembering Diane. Sincerely, Joan and Bruce Riddoch - Posted by: Joan Riddoch (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2023

• John, know that our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Bruce MacKay (Friend) on: Jul 24, 2023

• John, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Dinko Tuhtar - Posted by: Dinko Tuhtar (Friend of John, a Rotarian) on: Jul 23, 2023

• Growing up across the street from the McClellan’s I fondly recall how excited I would be for their annual garage sales where Mrs. McClellan would sell M&M cookies baked fresh that morning I’m sure! The recipe is now a part of our family recipe box. Thinking of the family as you grieve and miss your mom. Danae - Posted by: Danae Reimer (Penner) (Neighbour ) on: Jul 22, 2023

• My heart is breaking for you. My love to John, Shannon, Wendy and Susie. Diane was a true friend. I could never wish for a better friend to walk through life with me. She was a wonderful wife and Mother. Her passing has left a huge hole in all our hearts. Please remember I am only a phone call away. All my love is coming your way. Love Lynda - Posted by: Lynda Neufeld (Lifelong friend) on: Jul 22, 2023

• My condolences to you and your family John! - Posted by: Michael Lazer (Friend) on: Jul 22, 2023

• I met Diane when she and my sister became friends over 60 years ago. At first I was "just the little sister to be tolerated" but over the years, I came to know Diane better as I matured and I am pleased to also call her my friend. Our lives crisscrossed over the years as my son, Cory and all three of her girls, Shannon, Wendy and Susie were involved in figure skating. I fondly remember her visits with me over the years after I moved to BC...She and Susie staying with me for a few days in Kelowna on their trip home after flying to Vancouver to pick up one of John's rental vehicles to drive it home; her visit after driving to Kamloops for a Girl Guide Leaders' Conference when she kindly brought my sister along a few short months after Lynda's husband, Bruce passed away; the visit when she and Lynda came and stayed with me at my home in New Westminster and Diane brought along a 'craft' for us to work on (so Diane!). We each made a twinkle-lit pine cone Christmas basket...the fun and the laughter...! My last personal visit with Diane was in 2021 on one of my visits to Winnipeg. Diane met Lynda and I at the Assiniboine Park Zoo where we spent the afternoon taking in the Stingray Beach exhibit, being lead by the peacocks and having lunch. Diane, of course, ordered a hot dog...how she loved hot dogs! When my sister was approaching her 75th birthday, I decided to fly in to surprise her so of course, I turned to Diane to share my surprise and she offered to pick me up at the airport. Sadly, because of the Covid situation I had to cancel my trip at the last minute and when I called Diane to tell her we decided that she and Lynda would come out to BC in the fall and visit me and we would have a huge birthday celebration then...Diane and I shared the same birthday. Regrettably, Diane's health had deteriorated and she felt she could not make the trip in late September. Lynda and I took dozens of photos that she shared with Diane upon her return home...our visit to Pioneer Park in Agassiz, our day of thrift shops and gift shops in Ladner, our visit to The Secret Garden and the shores of Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen and our visit to White Rock where we walked the pier...I know Diane would have loved those 10 days! I was planning to see her in a couple of weeks when I visit Winnipeg and we would have that belated birthday celebration, complete with hot dogs and Jeanne's cake but God and Diane had a different plan. I can unequivocally say that Diane was the kindest and most gentle person that I have ever met...there are no words to express the loss that I feel and I know those sentiments are shared by many. John, Shannon, Wendy and Susie...my most sincere and deepest condolences. Our world was a better place because Diane was in it. The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains… For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. Anonymous - Posted by: Val Bishop (Friend) on: Jul 22, 2023

• So very sorry for your loss! Deepest condolences to all her family & friends. 💕🙏😇💐🌈 We worked together in Girl Guides, she was a great person & we enjoyed many things together! - Posted by: Agnes Roziere (Friend ) on: Jul 22, 2023

• So sorry for your loss, I enjoyed visiting Diane in the last few months. She was a good friend and a beautiful human being. Rest In Peace my friend, I will miss you. - Posted by: Lilian vinet (Friend) on: Jul 22, 2023