Passed away peacefully in the early evening on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Best friend and wife of James W. Kells for 61 wonderful years. Loving and cherished mother of the late James A. Kells (Celia) of Sarnia, Robert Kells (Jennifer) of Denver, Colorado, Debbie Kells-Jose (Jo) of Toronto, and Lori Kells-Noble (Brad) of Sault Ste. Marie. Beloved Nanny of Keelan Kells of Ottawa; Clodaugh Kells of London; Ava Kells of Arizona; Jack and Annika Kells of Colorado; Amanda Sisson (Perry) of Hamilton; Alyssa Mejia (Austin) of Ottawa; Austin Kells (Megan) of Sault Ste. Marie; and Ashlyn Noble of Sault Ste. Marie. Great-grandmother of Asher, Willem, Jubilee, Davey James, and Clemency. Sister of George Smail (late Lois); Sister-in-Law of Margo Kells (late Ernie) of Sault Ste. Marie, and the late Sonja Mitchell (late Jim) of Oil Springs. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, James and Zeda Smail.
Born in Toronto on November 27, 1941, she enjoyed loving grandparents, and a large, warm and fun extended family. She and Jim married on May 18, 1963 in Sault Ste. Marie. She and Jim were amazing and loving parents to 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. They enjoyed many good years and summers with their children and friends at the cottage on Lake Superior. She planned annual August trips to Disney World in Florida, and would travel with their children and take them on many adventures across both Canada and the United States. She made every birthday, holiday, graduation, and Christmas a magical and special event for her children and grandchildren. Dianne was a loyal and dependable friend to many, and an active volunteer with a servant's heart for years at Camp Aush-Bik-Koong Bible Camp, Bethel Bible Chapel, Awana, Kinsmen and Kinnettes, Canadian elections, Christmas Cheer, and a number of other local civil and charity organizations. Dianne and Jim bowled in a league with close, dear friends for more than 30 years. They demonstrated boundless energy, commitment, and work ethic in both their professional and personal lives.
Dianne had a great Faith and is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus; and happy to be reunited with her oldest son, and other cherished family and friends who she missed dearly.
A Celebration of Life will take place in June. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Memorial contributions payable online or by cheque may be made to Bethel Bible Chapel c/o Camp Aush-Bik-Koong. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Kells family.