(June 22, 1943-February 19, 2021) - It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister (great) grandmother, (great) aunt and more recently great-great grandmother. Dianne passed away at the Sault Area Hospital surrounded by love and family on Friday, February 19, 2021 (after a short illness) in her 78th year. Lifetime partner and best friend of the late Harry Jones (2015). Deeply loved and cherished mother of Marlene Hewson (Scott), Kathy Jones-Pine (Tim), Lana Jones (Dave) and Michael Jones (Jenny). Special mother-in-law to the late Roland (Beatle) Hewson. Loving grandmother of Nicholas, Dee-Anna, Andrea (Cody), Veronica (Gus), Cheyenne, Wesley (Sheri-Lyn), James, Jessalyn, Joshua, Shannon (Garrett), Shelby (Keegan). Adored great grandmother to 18 loving grandchildren.
Loving and devoted daughter of the late Louis and late Kathleen Syrette. Special sister to Tim and Darlene Syrette, Darren and Charlotte Zack, Elaine McDonagh, Orville and Colleen McCabe. Predeceased by siblings Edward, Mickey (Jay), Paul, Susan (Doug) and Marcel. Daughter-in-law to the late Susan Biron, and sister-in-law to Peter (Patsy), late Sally (late Don), Monica (Kenny) and the late Randolph and John. Special Aunt and friend to Jennifer Pine. Well loved and special aunt to many nieces and nephews, friends and cousins including her best friend and phone buddy Laura (Auntie Cookie).
Dianne was the eldest of 10 children, a residential school survivor (Spanish, ON), a nursing school RNA graduate (Ottawa), who went on to work at the (new) F.J. Davey Home and the SSM General Hospital.
In 1964 Dianne married Petty Officer Harry Jones and in her early married life, their young family resided on naval bases in Halifax and Ottawa. Following her husband’s military service, her family built their home on Rankin Reserve and Dianne returned to nursing at the local hospitals. She also obtained a job with the National Arts & Crafts Association that promoted the marketing of authentic First Nations Arts & Crafts. This position afforded her the opportunity to travel to many First Nations regionally and nationally (increasing her awareness of the needs and issues that so many communities faced). Dianne soon chose to work and contribute to the growth & development of her community – Dianne began employment with BFN as the bus driver and fell in love with the kids, volunteering at many activities and special events. Field trip bus driver to Florida, Manitoulin and Ottawa to name a few. She soon returned to her nursing roots and replaced her retired mother and became BFN Community Health Representative (CHR). Dianne then was Health Director for 25 years and moved the Community Health Programs forward by securing capital funding for BFN’s first Health Unit. She also initiated and forwarded the development of the Family Crisis Shelter (Nimkii Naabkawagan).
Dianne leaves behind a treasure chest of many wonderful memories for many of us. She believed strongly in her faith and was active in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Dianne was dedicated to family, her community and social justice. She enjoyed the outdoors and all creations, especially birds (specifically loons). Dianne was an exceptional cook like her mother and often hosted the family gatherings, many of them at her home, Laughing Lake, Tujak, Crooked Lake or Garden River campsites. Dianne was an avid reader, storyteller and loved music. She loved to laugh and make others comfortable and her quick wit and sense of humor made this easy for her.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Due to the pandemic only 40 people will be permitted into the building at one time and masks are mandatory. A private family service will be held following visitation at 5:00 p.m. The service will stream live through the Northwood Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northwoodfuneralhome/. Simply be on Northwood Funeral Homes Facebook home page at the designated time and the video will appear when the service begins. Memorial donations can be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish or a charity of your choice.
She is Gone
You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back or
you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or
you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or
you can be happy for tomorrow Because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone or
you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she would want open your eyes, love and go on.
Baamaapii Kawaabmin Miinwaa