Obituary of Diane Gail Soole

Wrapped in loving arms, our sweet Diane passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022.  Diane leaves a big beautiful family who will miss her more than words will ever express.  Her partner in life of almost 40 years Gary Doyle, her cherished son Christopher Stephensen (Rachel) and grandsons Jacob and Malcolm.  Diane also leaves to mourn her bonus and beloved daughter Kimmie Doyle and granddaughter Jada and Roxanne Doyle and grandson Bradley.  Sister Sharon (Steve), brother Craig and “baby” sister Jessie.  She will be dearly missed by her nieces Shelley (Colin), Sheri (Andrew) and Lane, also many great nieces and nephews.

Diane is predeceased by her mother Jessie and father George Soole, her niece Shannon Pollok and in-laws Earl and Theresa Doyle.

Diane was born and raised in Winnipeg, where she attended Elmwood and Sisler High Schools. Diane lived in Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary throughout her life, eventually setting in Dufresne, Manitoba, on her loved acreage with Gary.

Diane was a competitive, tenacious and hard working woman giving up was not in her vocabulary. Her careers were many.  Early in her life, Diane worked at Chateau Lanes, she was a waitress at the infamous Dionysus Restaurant and later worked as Dental Assistant.  Diane moved into property management and worked along side her beloved boss Emile Drueker developing rental properties in Alberta and Manitoba for many years.  Diane’s longest career was in sales, retiring from AAA Alarms and Bell MTS Alarms just this June after 25+ years.  Sales was definitely her calling and she excelled at it.  She couldn’t wait to get home and compete with her beloved Gary at the end of the day…who many cars did you sell today, well I sold this many alarms, beat ya!

Diane was adventurous and she lived life to the fullest.  Riding motorcycles, jumping out of air planes, scuba diving, camping, and fly fishing, the list of her adventures is long. Diane spent many days on the top of mountains in Alberta and British Columbia following another of her passions down hill skiing.  Diane shared her passion of skiing with her son Christopher.  Watching her son compete on the Nancy Green Ski Team gave Diane incredible joy.  Her love of skiing, travel and adventure is definitely part of her son’s DNA and he shares his joy of adventure with his beloved family.  Diane could not get enough of watching videos of her son and his family’s travels especially watching her grandsons barrelling down the side of a mountain!  Diane travelled many times to PEI with Gary spending time with their beloved friends and Gary’s family.  Later in life Diane’s passion for travel and adventure turned to cruising.  We will all cherish our memories of her stories from her cruises.

Diane’s other great passion was cooking and entertaining in her home in Dufresne.  She become our family matriarch when our mother Jessie passed, taking over the role of cooking and baking for all our family dinners.  She hosted many lobster parties in her home, cooking for upwards of 50 people at a time.  She hosted many of Gary’s PEI friends when they came through Winnipeg and she cooked more than one meal for hungry hockey players from the Manitoba Moose.

Perhaps her greatest qualities were her sense of humour and infectious positivity both of which she carried with her right to the end.  During the last 4 weeks of her life, when she was asked by doctors or nurses, family and friends how she was feeling, her response was always ``well I am better than the Queen``.  Not once during this time did Diane complain, if she wasn’t better than the Queen she was  was wearing her crown bought for by her sweet Kimmie singing with arms raised in air, The Best by Tina Turner, she was on the phone with Sharon and Steve betting on the ponies.  All Diane wanted was to enjoy her last days at home watching sports with the people she loved the most and we made that happen for her.

There are so many people our family wishes to thank.  Dr. Homik and Dr. Gerges, thank you for your many years of care.  The staff at Steinbach Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Emergency and Medicine Ward for the best of care while we spent a week with you.  The staff at Steinbach Homecare and Palliative Care for your support, professionalism and care during our four weeks at home, it was truly a gift.  To Diane’s friends for taking the time to call, for bringing us food, flowers, puzzles and much needed laughter.  Diane loved each of you and appreciated the time you took more than you can know

Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of her life will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that a donation in Diane’s name be made to Manitoba Lung Association online https://mb.lung.ca/ways-to-help/donate_today.html or by calling 204.774.5501 or toll-free at 1-888-262-5864.

Rest easy our sweet Diane, our lives will never be the same without you.  We will carry your infectious positivity, sense of humour and zest for life with us forever.