Obituary of Diane Edith Jones

July 17, 1928- March 17, 2024

Peacefully & with family by her side, our precious mother, Diane Edith Jones (nee Kinzie) passed away at her residence Elmwood Place on March 17, 2024. Diane was predeceased by her husband, Ronald MacNeill Jones (2003), her youngest daughter, Leslie (2017), & infant twin daughter, Linda (1953). Diane was born & raised in Chatham, Ontario. Her parents, Dr. Lavern D. Kinzie & Leila Marie Kinzie (nee Murchie) predeceased her, along with her older sister, Frances Stone, & younger brother, David Kinzie (Nancy).

Diane was a loving & devoted mother to her children, Wendy Sim (John), Susan Jones- Hughson, Victoria Miller-Schenk (Bruce, 2023), Mark Jones (Lori), & Ian Jones (Rosemary). She leaves behind her grandchildren, Amanda Halward (Colin), Kara Briggs, Taylor Jones (Kirby), Katie Miller-Loyst (Shawn Ashe), Nicholas Jones (Alyssa), Victoria Kimberley (Eric), Heather Francis (Comacho), Rachel Jones, Rebecca Jones; and step-grandchildren, Jeffrey Sim (Michelle), Joel Sim (Jennifer), Jason Sim (Tammy), Meghan Rose-Fretter (Andrew Gilbank), Sarah-Dawn Schenk-Norris (Steven), & Alissa Sauerbrei (Peter).

Diane was also blessed with 16 great grandchildren & thirteen step-great grandchildren.

Our Mom was a truly beautiful & remarkable woman throughout her life. She was a keen athlete during her childhood, receiving medals in high jump, long jump & running. Into her forties, she could perform numerous cartwheels. Mom was an amazing role model, always calm, patient, with a wealth of understanding, a great sense of humour, & encouraging us always. Mom became a great seamstress, not only making her own clothes including for formal functions, but graduation & formal dresses for her daughters. She enjoyed bridge, crib, gin rummy, bowling, reading, knitting, & golf.

Once empty nesters, our parents pursued sailing & cruising. They took many trips with their boats through the North channel & beyond. Although Mom’s sense of direction on land was at times questionable, her ability to read navigational maps on the water was impeccable.

Mom loved her grandchildren & enjoyed special moments with her great grandchildren as well. In recent years, dementia set in. Only in the last three years did Mom require full time assistance, first at Marian Villa & then at Elmwood Place. We wish to thank all the supportive & caring staff. A special thank you to Mom’s private care companion, Sherry Insley, who was with Mom several hours each week providing immense reassurance, kindness, & advocacy. Sherry ensured that Mom felt safe & loved, when we could not be there.

Should anyone wish to make a donation in Mom’s honour, we suggest to the MS Society, The Alzheimer’s Society, or any non-profit organization for children’s well being.

A Celebration of Diane’s Life will take place at a later date.