Dianne Geraldine Englund

Englund, Dianne Geraldine – Dianne Geraldine (Belmore) Englund passed away on November 29th, 2018 at White Hills Long Term Care Centre, surrounded by her three children and loving family. She was born on September 17th, 1943. Throughout her recent illness, Dianne showed incredible strength and dignity. She grew up in Caribou Gold Mines, Nova Scotia in a large, musical family where storytelling and traditions were cherished. Growing up with her five sisters and brother is where she developed her selfless nature in caring for others, which she continued throughout her life and passed on to her children. To her family Dianne was known for her loving, healing and caring. Her mother called her ‘our aloe vera’. Her generosity and open door policy welcomed a constant stream of family for extended stays or a dose of Dianne’s loving care. Dianne loved being involved in her community, volunteering her many skills as she worked to help others accomplish their goals and dreams. Even as a teenager she had her own entrepreneurial spirit along with the drive and ambition to bring her creative visions to life. Dianne had a joy for life. Music was her passion, singing harmony with her sisters, playing piano and fiddle and listening to her favourite artists. She loved to paint, sew, craft and garden. She would take on a project of any size, capably and single handedly. She was active throughout her life, participating in team sports, skiing, and dancing. Dianne loved bringing people together and had a talent for elevating any event to a special occasion. Dianne will be especially remembered by her family for her unique, offbeat sense of humour and infectious laugh. Dianne moved to Halifax to attend Halifax Vocational School and later Mount Saint Vincent University. She had a long career as a medical office administrator. It was while working in the medical field that she met her future husband, Dr. Roy Englund. During their 48 years of marriage, they worked together in Roy’s orthopaedic medical practice in Halifax. Their three children Sonja, Kristel and Leif were their pride and joy. Dianne created her own family traditions, made holidays extraordinary and was always there to support her children. She was the heart of the family. Together they enjoyed camping, skiing, travelling and mostly family time at the cottage. Once the children were grown, Dianne and Roy travelled extensively around the world. Throughout Dianne’s life her connection to her family and loved ones played an integral role. Dianne’s greatest pleasure in her later years was spending time with her two granddaughters, Lily and Carina. Her last years were filled with laughter, play, great imagination and creativity. Dianne’s humility, compassion and grace will continue to be an inspiration. Dianne is survived by her three children, Sonja, Halifax NS, Kristel, St. Margaret’s Bay NS, Leif, Mount Forrest ON, and beloved grandchildren Lily and Carina. As well as sisters Bonnie Price, Smith’s Cove NS, Glenda Burrows (Ken), Wellington NS, Betty Belmore (Bill Stevenson), Halifax NS, Kathy Didkowsky (John), West Gore NS, sister-in-law Gail Belmore, Danville PA, 15 nieces and nephews, 16 grand nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Roy Englund, granddaughter Gessica Englund, father Bernard Belmore, mother Eleanor (Taylor) Belmore, sister Shirley-Dale Easley, brother Roderick Belmore, in-laws Johann Emil and Signe Englund, brothers-in-law Ralph Englund and Gordon Price, sisters-in-law Rose Floating and Doreen Englund. A Celebration of Dianne’s Life will be held at Parkhill United Church, 5 Kirk Road, Halifax, NS on Wednesday, December 5th at 11:00am. A reception following the service will be held at the family home. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of the QE-II, Shoreham Village, White Hills, Nurse Next Door and especially private nurse Nora Myers for their loving care. In keeping with Dianne’s love of children and care for the community, donations can be made to https://www.feednovascotia.ca/donate/donate-money. Food donations will be accepted at the church.