Diana Lynn Johnson passed peacefully at Soldiers Memorial Hospital on Wednesday April 5th 2023 in her 77th year.
She will be missed profoundly by Karen (daughter), and her grand kids, John, Kayla & Daniel. Diana will be re-united with her predeceased spouse Kevin Joseph Johnson. Predeceased parents Alena (nee Sawchuk) & Bertram Verrian and her older brother David. Diana is now free from anxiety that consumed her life. Her preciseness of how things should be done was quite remarkable. Diana was incredibly shy but if you got to know her she would astound you with her vast curiosities and knowledge. Diana loved animals and spent many years caring for strays.
In the past, she owned the Brechin garden Centre, Pop Shoppe, and a restaurant to name a few. Her love of gardening and nature flourished for many years in jaw dropping garden displays in Lagoon City. She could recite all the plant names in Latin. She was well read in all things medical, as she continuously studied this field. Diana had a tremendous strong spirit that was unique in everyway. In 2016, she moved to Bayshore Village and enjoyed kind neighbours who looked out for her. Her tenacity enabled her to endure four cancer diagnosis. In recent times, Dementia presented itself. Each day became a challenge as Diana navigated life with a broken mind.
Her intelligence showed up in bursts which we were grateful to witness. She still enjoyed us reading out a crossword clue – to try to conjure up the answer from a muddled mind. Diana was kind and has generously supported many local charitable causes Orillia Soldiers, RVH, Simcoe Hospice, Guide Dogs and the Princess Margaret Hospital. Sadly, a broken hip was too much. We truly appreciate the great care provided by Dr. Laakso & staff, Soldiers Memorial Emergency & IMRS Doctors, nurses and PSWS. Thank you to Sandy and the Atrium staff that helped support my mom in the past year.
Excerpt from a poem published by Diana in 1998:
Three Stages of Love
To bring back love without the pain
To ease the wounds that still remain
To cross the bridge to the hurting one
To say you’re sorry for the things you’ve done
These thoughts run through your mind
If only you could turn back time
Donations to any of the charities listed above or to the Alzheimers Society in memory of Lady Di would be appreciated. A celebration of Life will be planned at a future date. Arrangements entrusted to the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Home 54 Coldwater Street E., Orillia, Ontario 705-326-3595.
Online Messages of Condolence are welcome at www.CarsonFuneralHomes.com