It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane (nee Cormier) Clarke at age 76 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario.

She is survived by her daughter Shelley and son-in-law Jeff Rumig, brothers Eric (Ella) Cormier, Evarist (Yvette) Cormier, Jean Cormier and sister Marcelline (Ron) Nowlan. She also leaves behind to mourn her, many nieces, nephews, siblings of her deceased husband Donald, and many cherished friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Donald, her parents Albénie and Adéline (nee Vautour) Cormier, her brothers Odias and Docithé Cormier and her sister Yvrette Duguay.

Diane was born and raised in the small rural community of Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick. She was the fourth child, and the first girl, in a family of eight children. At the age of seventeen, she moved to Toronto, Ontario, following her brother, in search of work, as so many Maritimers did at the time. There she met and fell in love with Don who also grew up in New Brunswick. They married in 1969 and had a beautiful, loving daughter, Shelley, who was their pride and joy.

They loved to socialize with their many friends and family. They enjoyed travelling, visiting destinations across Canada, the US and abroad, to tropical locales.

Diane had a long career with Bell Canada where she made many lifelong friends. After she retired, she kept in touch with her former colleagues by attending Pioneer meetings and outings. She also met regularly with a group of good friends to celebrate each other’s birthdays.

Diane had a positive attitude. She would say, “When I wake up in the morning, I think ‘I’m awake, therefore I’m alive. I’m gonna’ make the most of my day.” And that, she did.

She was a very thoughtful and caring soul and seldom forgot to acknowledge birthdays and special occasions.

She loved children and, ever the caregiver she was, showing them, with every word and gesture, how special they were.

Through the years, she participated in many activities including bowling, curling, lawn bowling, and aquafit. She also enjoyed bingo, movies, live theatre, Blue Jays games and listening to music.

Coming from the Maritimes, she loved being by the water and enjoyed fresh lobster “back home” with family and friends.

We, the family, would be grateful to receive any well wishes, treasured memories or thoughts about her in our guestbook. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ESS Support Services, Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Kidney Foundation.