Dianne Marjorie was born in Hanover Memorial Hospital on December 8, 1947 to parents Marjorie “Bernice” and Gordon Henry Karn. She was soon joined by her siblings, Donna (1948), Ken (1950), Yvonne (1951), Nancy (1953), Wanda (1957), Debbie (1958), and Heather (1959). Early in Dianne’s life, the Karn family spent time in Chesley and Dundalk before settling in Hanover on 11th Ave. Here she began her schooling at James A. Magee before attending John Diefenbaker Secondary School.
After high school, Dianne began working at a local nursing home before taking a job as a waitress. It was during this time that one Wayne Franklin Williams worked nearby. He was employed at the Hanover Post and often grabbed lunch at Dianne’s workplace. Was this a coincidence? … better ask Wayne about that! They soon began dating, however, in 1965 Dianne moved to Kitchener to pursue a job in retail. This didn’t deter Wayne as their relationship blossomed and they married on December 3, 1966 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Hanover.
The newlyweds soon moved to Willowdale as Wayne had accepted a job with MacLean Hunter. Dianne began working as an operator for a doctor’s answering service, however, she had to give that up when the couple welcomed their first daughter Marjorie in 1967. The number five seemed to follow Dianne, she seemed to have a particular fondness for the number. Everything had to be five or a multiple of it, so as you can imagine four more children were to follow. Dianne and Wayne soon welcomed daughters Carrie (1968), Annette (1971) Tammie (1973), and Adela (1974). By January of 1968 the Williams family had relocated to Wiarton where they owned and operated Williams Printing Service. Here Dianne cared for her young daughters, watching them grow, all the while helping Wayne with the family printing business.
In 1972 the number 5 came up again when Wayne and Dianne purchased their first home. The residence came with 5 summer cottages and became the Williams and Daughters Cottages. Another challenge for Dianne which she took on for many of the following summer seasons. After cottage season was over, Wayne, Dianne, and the kids enjoyed a few trips to Florida during these years to take in the sights, however, the real travelling fun occurred when the family purchased their travel van. Every second weekend they would pack up and travel, taking in new sites and events around the province of Ontario. Over the years, there were few sites they did not experience and it allowed for valuable family time. When at home, Dianne always kept busy and also volunteered with the Lion’s Club, at the local dances, and at church, often teaching Sunday School. Although raised Lutheran, once married Dianne and Wayne attended the local Anglican Church regularly, no matter what community they were living in. Her faith remained an important aspect of her life throughout the years.
In 1986, the Williams’ sold their printing business and moved to the City of Brampton were Dianne began to work in retail. Although not an extremely outgoing individual, she was in her element at work and socializing with her customers. In her spare time, Dianne enjoyed knitting and her crafts. One year she made a commitment to herself that she would knit one heavy scarf per day for a year… yes, you read that right, and donate them to the Brampton Fire Department. As a tribute, the Brampton Fire Department went to great lengths to present Dianne with a Fire Department Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Department and the City of Brampton. Dianne’s creations of love were then passed out to needy families during the holidays. Dianne retired in 2011 and looked forward to spending more time with her family.
In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Dianne truly loved being a grandmother. Her daughters blessed her with twelve grandchildren that she loved to care for and support. Grandma could often be found babysitting one of her grandchildren and when not doing that she was always present at one of their functions. It could have been a Christmas concert, hockey game, skating or play, it didn’t matter. If her grandchildren were involved Dianne was usually there!
Dianne was also a big believer in her dreams. This is one of the reasons she never got her driver’s license. She was paranoid about driving. However, ask her family about her knowledge of gas prices. Dianne was a hawk whenever it came to gas prices, and this was not just for the community she was living in but any community she passed through or family lived in. Many of her conversations with family include “you should get gas ______ today!” Once a mother, always a mother. Dianne also enjoyed giving her sons-in-law a hard time. She could always give it, and they would give it back in return! 🙂 You always knew where you stood with Dianne and she was always looking out for the best interests of her family.
Dianne loved Christmas. In addition to gathering with the family, she loved decorating the house for the holidays. Every room had to be decorated, including the bathroom! When time allowed for it Dianne enjoyed relaxing in front of the TV to take in one of her beloved British Veterinarian programs. She always enjoyed reading a good book. In recent years, she was particularly fond of Amish and Mennonite stories. It should be no surprise, Beverly Lewis, a Christian fictional novelist was her favourite author. Any time Dianne bought a new book, she always bought two copies, one for her and one that she donated to her local library. Not only did she enjoy these novels, but she also wanted those in her community to benefit from them as well! When it came to music Dianne enjoyed country classics but her favourite artist was Elvis Presley. Her favourite song? My Way of course! 🙂
In addition to being extremely family-oriented, Dianne was a great organizer. She was great at planning events and as Wayne put it, “kept them organized.” She was honest, fair, and always told the truth. If you wanted to know where you stood with Dianne all you had to do was ask.
Sadly, in the early 2000’s Dianne was diagnosed with a blood disorder. In the years that followed, medications and treatments helped her manage this health challenge. In 2012, Dianne and Wayne returned to Hanover, building a new home, to further enjoy retirement. Unfortunately, her health worsened with time and in 2016 Dianne received word that she had Leukemia. With the love and support of Wayne and her family, Dianne made the best of every day. In recent weeks, her health declined steadily, yet Wayne was able to care for her and keep her comfortable at home. She passed away at Hanover & District Hospital on Friday, June 5, 2020 in her 73rd year.
Survived by her husband Wayne and beloved daughters Marjorie Hambly (Peter) of Kitchener, Carrie Kizell of Brockville, Cpl. Annette Williams of Petawawa, Tammie Cameron (Richard), and Adela MacIver (Iain), all of Milton. She will be sadly missed by grandchildren Conner (Ashley), Brendon, Chase, Meagan, Emma, William, Nicholas, Kathryn, Reese, Declan, Isla, Elsie, and great-granddaughters Lilianna and Emylia. Dianne is survived by her mother Bernice Sachs and sisters Donna Frook (Doug) of Hanover, Yvonne Middleton (Dick) of Hanover, Nancy Pegelo (Ron) of Wasaga Beach, Debbie Waugh (Ken) of St. Mary’s, Heather Gateman and friend Darrell of Owen Sound. She was predeceased by her father Gordon Karn, sister Wanda and brother Ken.
Private family services will be held at the Rhody Family Funeral Home in Chesley. Inurnment in Clinton Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada or Hanover & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
A special thank you to Dr. Amy Tam of Grand River Cancer Centre and Dr. Diana Bougham and nursing staff of the Hanover & District Hospital for their care.
