On April 11, 2023, at age 85, Diana Marjorie Wilkinson passed away in Kamloops at Royal Inland Hospital, the same place she was born on July 15, 1937.
Diana was the 4th oldest in a family of eight children. She started working various jobs at the age of 16. Diana and Ron met on a blind date and were married on March 10, 1956. Together, they raised three children: Rhonda (Ken), Darren (Cassandra) and April.
Diana was known as Mama to her two granddaughters, Chantel (Dylan) and Danica (Alison), and as Great Mama to her two great-grandchildren, Cayden and Declan.
Diana is predeceased by her parents Wes and Doris Day and four brothers Ronnie, Doug, Lawrie and Terry. She is survived by her sister Gwen (Shuko) and brothers Mike and Glenn (Judy).
For many years, Ron and Diana operated the Bus Terminal on Lansdowne Street, which later became Greyhound. Diana was full of energy and life. Her many interests included making fabulous photo albums, Christmas baking (oh, those sausage rolls!), reading, pottery, fashion modeling and curling. Diana was also a charter member of the Kamloops P.E.O. Chapter A. T. and club president from 1973 – 74.
Summers were spent at the Shuswap Lake with family and friends. In 1970, on her birthday, Ron gifted Diana a boat. To this day, beloved Royal Baby is still cruising the Shuswap. In 1987, Diana and Ron built a year-round home in Scotch Creek, where they lived full-time until 2021. Diana loved swimming and for many years did so from Sorrento to Scotch Creek. Hobbies in retirement were creating award-winning set décor with Chase Players and becoming an avid gardener. Another favourite activity was "walking and talking" almost daily with her dear friend Aileen. In the winter months, Diana and Ron very much enjoyed their travels, particularly cruising to new locations.
Diana and Ron loved having their granddaughters every summer creating many memories of swimming, gardening, and make all the goodies in the kitchen (particularly cinnamon buns and Mama's special pizza).
Last summer, with family support, Diana was still able to enjoy time at the lake despite failing health. In July, there was a celebration for her 85th birthday, Ron's 90th birthday and their marriage of 66 years.
