Diane Paré

The beautiful story of Diane Pare’s life:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our matriarch, Diane Pare.  Diane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late April.  She underwent surgery May 22 but unfortunately it was not successful.  We were able to bring her home for her final days so she could be in her own space.  Her husband Jacques was by her side every single day and was instrumental in arranging to have her transported home.  She was surrounded by love and family when she slipped away early morning on June 28th.   Her care level was very high at this point but Jacques committed to do everything he could so she could be home.  He probably didn’t sleep that last stretch but never once complained.  Their love was a very special love and each day he came to the hospital he would gently kiss her on the lips and nuzzle her.  He would say something like “hello beautiful, yes I’m talking to you”.  The sparkle in her eyes as she looked up at him was so loving.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity to witness their pure, tender love.  

Diane was born in Kempville, NS and spent her youth in the quaint village of Petite Riviere.   Some of her fondest memories as a young woman was rowing her row boat with her life long friend Bish to Rissers Beach.  

Diane was a caregiver from the start.  She attended college to become a children’s nurse but didn’t like seeing young ones suffer.  She went on to take in foster kids for many years to come.  There are pictures of us as babies and there would be several children all in diapers and they weren’t disposable back then.   As a teenager I recall our house filled with sometimes 15 children that were waiting to be placed in foster homes.  Many of the children came from troubled families and had many challenges but she never refused anyone.   I don’t know how she did it as I can barely put up with my two rugrats.  She decided to adopted two indigenous children when we were living in Thunder Bay.  She wanted to help wherever she could.   

As young children we had wonderful experiences raising animals and growing gardens, albeit on a small scale.  Now we really weren’t all that excited about weeding the garden when we were kids but oddly enough now I really enjoy a good weeding session.  We had a pig called Arnold and Rhode Island red chickens (that we later ate which was a bit devastating since they became my friends), a couple horses, a guernsey cow and goats that we milked.  It was a great experience feeding the kits with baby bottles.  We milked the cow and carried the milk home in a big bucket.  We made butter from the rich milk taking turns churning away sometimes for hours.  Mom made sure we knew how to work hard and those lessons have served us all well.  I recall as a kid I resented having to do chores while my friends were all out playing but now I truly value that lesson.  And hey who would turn down 2 cents to clean a litter box?

Mom met the love of her life Jacques in 1977.  They were married in 1986.  They spent 48 loving years together.  Their tailored wedding vows included commitments to have open hearts and an open welcoming home for any family and friends in need.  Mom was an only child while Jacques came from a family of 18 kids.  Mom often tells the story of when they met how he thought it was great that she was an only child since he came from such a large family.   Even though she was an only child she created a fine brood that she was extremely proud of.

Her professional career was in banking.  Her first job was as a teller in Bridgewater NS at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce – back then they didn’t abbreviate everything lol.  We moved from NS to Ontario in 1966 and she continued her career off and on.  When she retired from the bank she was a manager at the Bank of Montreal.  I remember her telling me about a time when someone came in to rob the bank and she gave them grief and diverted the robbery.  Bank employees were always told never to resist and to provide whatever the crook was asking for but mom never did like when people did things they shouldn’t.  She always seemed so soft and gentle but we knew she had a streak in her that you shouldn’t mess with.  Especially when it involved family.

In 2002 when mom retired she helped me start up my retail business.  I purchased a small trading post in Tweed ON named the Mohawk Trading Post.  Mom was with me when I first went to view the property and encouraged me to buy it.  She was instrumental in re-naming the shop to the UnconVentionaL mOOse and also helped me purchase new stock and arrange the shop.   I wanted to offer ice cream in the shop and she said “I know just the brand to bring in!  I see trucks all the time with Tracey’s ice cream on the side”  It was even spelled the same as my name.   So that’s what we sold.  Mom loved ice cream and it was really good quality.  She sampled many a cone for me J

She moved to the area in 2011 and located in Roslin so she would be closer to family.  She had awesome vision and made their home into a comfortable little haven.  Mom loved her pets and more specifically her dogs.  Many have left their paw prints on her heart.  Mom and Jacques travelled across Canada with their beloved dog Rosie at their side.  Rosie could never be away from them.  Rosie sadly passed away this past February.  I know this broke both of their hearts.

Art was a big part of her life and from early on I remember her painting.  She was always a bit tense when at work as things had to be just right.  It was quite a chore having to pose for portraits or chase chickens around so she could sketch them.  At least that pen and ink chicken sketch won her a prize.  I still have a print of this in my kitchen and it brings back memories.  She has painted many pictures of Chisholm Mills and local scenes that adorn her walls.  Ed Hunt at the dump shared the same birthday as mom and this past year for his birthday she surprised him with a painting of his “office”.  Be sure to ask Ed for a glance as he proudly displays it in his tiny shack.

She loved to read and Jacques was often sent to retrieve books from the library for her to consume.  She raved about what a wonderful library we have in our tiny community.  He would have in hand a list of the “already read” books so to avoid any duplication.  She was also an avid Sens fan never missing a game.  I remember when they changed the programming and didn’t air all the games.  She just about lost it and had to sign up for another package to ensure no games went unviewed.  One of these days they may even win a Stanley Cup.  I’m sure she will be cheering away in heaven.  She also attended many a hockey game for her kids, grand kids and lately even the great grandkids cheering on the Tweed Hawks.  Often with dear Rosie in tow.

RIP Diane, Mom, Nana, thank you for all you did for so many and for teaching us manners, work ethic and respect for others.  You are truly a role model and will be missed by so many.  Sending love.

Diane is survived by her loving husband Jacques, her daughters Tracey and Florence (Hiltz) (predeceased sons Daniel and Jeffrey) her grandchildren Rudy and Krystal (Capogreco), Jessica, Kristina, James, Brandie, Keaton (Hiltz), Natasha (Commanda) Wiingashk, Mesten, Nodin, Nibi, Amik, (Andre), and a handful of great grandchildren Lily, Holly, Joseph, Olive, Isaac, Sophia, Maximus,  

There will be a Celebration of Life for Diane on August 2, 2025 at the Unconventional Moose/West Wind property, 108575 Hwy 7, Tweed from 10am-2pm.  Tributes will be done around noon.  Light refreshements will be served.  Friends and family are welcome to stop by.