February 14, 1938 – August 15, 2020
at the age of 82 years:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dianne Bartlett (Thrupp) on August 15, 2020 with her daughter by her side. She was born February 14th, 1938 in Luton UK. At the age of 10, Dianne’s family moved to Vancouver. She became a proud Canadian citizen in 1972.
Dianne was predeceased by her daughter Amy Sherwood in 2002, her loving husband Harry in 2012, and sister-in-law Fran Dobinson in 2014. She is survived by her daughter Julie (Clint) Creasy, son-in-law Pat Sherwood, her grandchildren Alex Sherwood, Jerra, Ivan and Gavin Creasy. Also morning her are niece and nephew Kathy Dobinson and Bob (Heather) Dobinson of Qualicum Beach and brother-in-law Arthur Bartlett and family of Berowra Australia. Cousins, John (Pearl) Elson and Shirley (Karl) Roessler of Alberta. As well as lifelong friends we consider family and who has been a great support this year. Carol and Wayne Bridges, Marlene and Vince Hobson, Debbie and Boris Edson and Mary Sinhuber.
Dianne and Harry were married and set roots down in Salmon Arm, welcoming Amy in 1973 and Julie in 1980. Dianne was a loving, kind, patient mother and grandma.
Dianne had a rewarding career with the school district. She made many friends during this time. She will be remembered fondly for her kind and patient ways.
Dianne had a passion for travel. As a young woman of 20 she planned a trip and travelled across Europe for three months. Dianne would go on to plan many more trips. These would be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. These included the Queen Charlotte’s, Arizona, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Utah, Cuba, Mexico, England, Scotland and much more. Dianne love to read and had been in a book club for over 12 years. She loved her book club ladies. She always had a stack of books close by.
We are sending a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful friends and family who came to visit often and help us through. We would like to thank the ladies at SAGH in the oncology floor. Thank you for your positive care during this time. A very special thank you to the palliative care people. You are angels on earth. I cannot even express how grateful we are for all of your help. Allowing Dianne to be cared for at home. We would like to send out another sincere thank you to Dr. Chris Weiker who went above and beyond. Thank you for
your dedication your kindness and compassion during this time and attending Dianne, we appreciate everything that you have done thank you. Dianne’s words of wisdom are ‘be nice to your friends’ and ‘don’t wait too long’ We will lovingly remember Dianne and her kindness. She is very missed and thought about often.
Donations in her name can be made to BC hospice Society .
Dianne and I worked together for five years a Hillcrest School. She often greeted others with a beaming smile and a sparkle in in her eye. She worked very hard helping the children and the teachers she was assigned to each year. Dianne certainly contributed to making our school a positive place for everyone. My condolences to you Julie and your family.
I met Dianne at UBC in 1970 and we became instant friends. We shared a house together in Abbotsford. She worked at the library and I was an elementary school teacher. She met and married Harry and I was her attendant. They moved to Salmon Arm. I moved to Kelowna in 1974. I met and married my husband Wayne in 1977. Dianne was my attendant. We each had two children. I had two boys she had two girls. Our families experienced many trips, Thanksgivings, Easters, birthdays and Christmas’s together. I have hundreds of photos as proof. As our children grew up and grew away we travelled together to Cuba, Arizona, Mexico and other places, learning and laughing as we went. When Harry died we continued travelling to shows in Seattle and to the fjords of Norway. We loved to cook, read and attend Roots and Blues together. As others have said she was a kind, peaceful person and I miss her every day. 50 years of friendship. What a gift. I shall miss the earrings this Christmas that came every year. Her family and all those who knew her I know will hold her close to their hearts.
Dianne will always be part of our memories. She first entered our life as an Aid for our daughter when she started Elementary School at Hillcrest. Although new Aids were assigned every year, Carina was fortunate to be able to work with only Dianne until she graduated from SASS. Dianne was caring, conscientious and intelligent and helped Carina to reach her potential in school. She was also a friend outside of the classroom and maintained contact with Carina right until the end. We were sad that she wasn’t well enough to attend Carina’s 40th birthday.
She was very lucky to have you as a daughter, Julie.
Dave and Gwen above have said much that I have also experienced in the years I worked with Dianne. I need to add that there are many students who would not have been able to attend a Grade One Sleepover at Hillcrest school without the support of Dianne. It began as a chance wish and with the catering skills of Dianne became a reality. Parents and students enjoyed the fun of being in school after hours and sleeping in the library. Dianne was also a great support to me in my classroom. She was never ruffled nor distressed. Her positive attitude carried us all through the day when life seemed tough.
One regret I have is that we were always going to get together for a coffee . . as planned on chance meetings in the Mall. . but sadly never managed to achieve. Dianne you helped me adjust to Grade One teaching and for that I shall be forever grateful. Julie, may you be comforted by the many special memories you and your family, together with Dianne’s friends and colleagues, have gathered over the years of experiencing life with a beautiful and generous spirit named Dianne.
From the Sherwood Family our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother.
Julie and Family,
There is never a time in my childhood where your Mom and family was not present. I have many memories of Dianne. My thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. Your Mom was the kindest of souls. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking about you a lot these days. Dianne has earned her angel wings and Harry and Amy are by her side. Sending you love.
My condolences at the loss of your Mother. A very special lady and friend to my Mother Mavis Tulari.
RIP Dianne, your work here is done.
Vickie Barron
Julie and family. We are deeply sadden for your loss. Dianne, was one special person who had an uncanny ability to always place the needs and concerns of others before her own. Her positive personality traits were obvious to many friends and community members. While a classroom assistant, she had no problems relating to many of her “charges” It was refreshing to hear many of her younger students once again connecting with her as adults. We were very fortunate to first know her during your family’s time on 33 rd St. especially when she was in her organizing mood. Those were many cherished memories from your childhood days. Keep hold of those as they will always be with you. May you find peace and comfort knowing your mom , who is spiritually healthy and no longer has to deal with a disease is now organizing Harry and Amy. Remember the words of those wise Celts, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”