Diane VanderZande

(1950-2025)

Diane passed away unexpectedly from a stroke on April 26th. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her family at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Diane was pre-deceased by her brother Thom, and parents Whip and Bea. She will be missed by Nick, her husband of 46 years, sons Stephen (Nancy, Oliver, Patrick) and Jamie (Laura, Emmie, Jack), sister Barb (Ken), brother Barry (Diana), nieces and nephews Malina, Matt, Liam, and Carlene. She will also be greatly missed by the VanderZande side, Frank (Diana), Ria, Elly (Jeremy), Shelley, and nieces and nephews Ian, Greg, Linda, Mark, Justin, Maia, and Mitch.

Diane was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan before heading to the University of Manitoba to become a physiotherapist. She initially came to Kenora in 1973 with the intention of only being here for a year before fate intervened. Diane ended up working at the hospital for 19 years before moving on to the Child Development Centre (Firefly) where she worked with high needs children until retirement. Throughout her career, Diane was considered a leader in clinical education. She mentored and precepted many physiotherapy students over her career and was a big reason why a pediatric placement at the CDC was a valuable and sought after experience.

Diane was always active in volunteering around the community. She spent time as president of the Lung Association before starting her 35+ years with St. John’s Ambulance. Before her passing, she was still involved with the Kenora Dragon Tamers as Past President, and sitting on the SEAC committee with the KCDSB, continuing her support for local youth with special needs. In recent years as her volunteering slowed down, she kept an active social life and loved meeting her various friend groups for coffee and lunch. Those friendships and connections meant a lot to her.

We would like to thank the nursing staff from the Emergency Department and ICU at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank the family and friends who have stopped in to share stories and support us in this challenging time.

Cremation will take place, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Super 8 - Minis Hall.

In honour of Diane’s memory, please consider donating your time to volunteer or visit someone you love. Monetary donations to causes close to her heart can be made to the Kenora Dragon Tamers, Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, or the Lake of the Woods Community Foundation – Special Olympics Agency Fund.

Kenora Dragon Tamers E-Transfer: [email protected]

Cheques: Dragon Tamers, Box 65, Kenora, ON P9N 3X1

LWDH Foundation https://lwdhf.com/donate/

Special Olympics Agency Fund https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/40267