On December 24, one day after her 61st wedding anniversary, Diane shuffled off her mortal coil, with her husband & her daughter by her side, and moved to the next stage of her journey. Born in 1941, Diane lived a semi pastoral life in Owen Sound learning to swim in the Saugeen River, and spending her teen years sailing on the good ships Kim C and Thunder on Georgian Bay. She also became an accomplished dancer in her childhood, and maintained her love of dance throughout her life. She was an accomplished athlete during her life, beginning with basketball and volleyball in High School and latterly tennis and especially golf. She was captain of the ladies club at both Strathcona and Fort William Country Club, positions that she took very seriously. She was also an athlete whose skills heightened under pressure and contributed to her success in tournaments.
After her marriage to Jack in 1961 they moved to Thunder Bay with a brief stop in Marathon, and settled into a career with Lakehead Public Schools where she worked with great professional ability and integrity until her retirement. When their two children were young, the family spent five years in Northern Nigeria, working under the auspices of Canadian International Development. While there, the family traveled extensively in West Africa from Togo to Cote D'ivoire, with a life changing visit to the slave fort at Cape Coast Ghana. They also traveled extensively in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Europe, especially Great Britain and Ireland. Many forever memories.
Diane had three great loves in her life: her family, food and dance. She never missed an activity that her grandchildren were involved in, including most practices. Musical recitals, soccer trips and football trips to Manitoba and Minnesota were never missed. She enjoyed every moment. Diane was a world class eater. Plates of chicken wings after the basketball game, shore lunches after a day of fishing, and back ribs from the barbie all faced the same fate, a smacking of her lips and a big smile from Diane.
Dance was also a major part of Diane’s life. From her early days at dance recitals in Owen Sound, to New Year's Eve at the French Club, dancing at a Greek rooftop restaurant into the wee hours of the morning, and being the star of the dance floor at her grandson's wedding, music and dance were an important part of her life.
Diane had a true eye for fashion, a direct result of her teenage years when she modeled clothes for a woman's fashion boutique in Owen Sound. She dressed stylishly and professionally and was the envy of many.
Diane had a good life and a good death. She died peacefully and painlessly. God Bless!
Diane is predeceased by her mother & father Florine & Orville Moore and step-father Reubin Kirk, mother-in-law & father-in-law Ina & Jack Playford, step-mother-in-law Bertha Playford, sisters-in-law Ruth, Shirl & Marg, brothers-in-law Jack & Bill. She is survived by her husband Jack, son John Playford (Danielle) & Gavin of Severn, daughter Janet O’Connor (Mike), Liam (Jessica & Evelyn) & Sean of Thunder Bay, sister Shirley Byers (Bev) of Owen Sound, sister-in-law Joan, brothers-in-law Bob & Norm and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on Monday June 5 at 11:00. Celebration will take place at the Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel at 21 Court Street North. A reception will follow at the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Kitty Kare, Northern Hearts or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.