DIANNE MARIE LaSCHIAZZA
Write a TributeJune 28, 1942 (Timmons, Ontario) - April 21, 2025 (Surrey, British Columbia)
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, Dianne Marie (née Gauthier) LaSchiazza on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 82.
Dianne is predeceased by her parents, Helen Jean (née Locker) and Edgar Gauthier of Flin Flon, MB by her precious sister, Laurelle, and by her brother-in-law, Bob, of White Rock, BC. The adoring grandma of Drew, Daniel, Alexandra, and Benjamin, she leaves behind her children Joanne (Thom), Michelle (Ted), and Dominic Michael (Nicole). She is survived by her brothers, Bob (Cheryl) and Doug (Dolley), as well as extended family and friends.
Mom grew up in “friendly Manitoba,” a fond childhood in Flin Flon where she was able to visit many times after leaving, most recently for her 80th birthday celebration that included spending time with her daughters, beloved brothers, family and old friends. After she married Dr. Dominic LaSchiazza, she moved to California, where she resided for 23 years and made many dear friends, especially Eva & Nick (the whole Bontempo family), and Jean & Mike O’Connell. She dedicated herself to raising her family, tirelessly supporting them in all of their schooling and sporting endeavours. She fiercely loved her three children and was so proud of them. She relocated to Victoria, BC, and she finally retired to White Rock, BC where she enjoyed living with her sister, Laurelle. She cherished the time she spent with her cousins, Joyce Wensley and Donna Hunter, and with her treasured friend of 78 years, Margie Dempsey. In her retirement, she relished spoiling her grandchildren, spending time with and helping those close by and visiting those in Ottawa, ON as often as possible. Many wonderful memories were made for her kids and grandkids to cherish.
Mom came from a long line of artistic women - sewists, knitters, crocheters, stitchers and painters - and she made many crocheted afghans over the years. She then dedicated herself to becoming an accomplished quilter; for many years she sewed daily and volunteered on projects with her local quilting guild. She showered her love on countless family members and friends by gifting them her meticulously-made and stunning quilts. She made innumerous quilts for preemie babies and for women’s shelters in Vancouver’s lower mainland. She never thought of herself as the artist that she was, as she said, “My quilts are not works of art, but to be used and loved!” Her works of LOVE will give us all much comfort and joy as we remember and celebrate her. A proud Canadian and a lover of cats, garage sales, and Almond Joy :) she will be profoundly missed by many.
A sincere expression of gratitude to the amazing and skilled staff of the Kinsmen Lodge, Surrey, BC. We are incredibly grateful for the loving care that you provided to our mother. Mom was blessed to be placed in your compassionate care for this last chapter in the journey of her life.
To honour her memory, donations in her name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to Victoria Quilts Canada would be most appreciated.
May 4th, 2025
Joanne, your mom sounds like an a truly incredible person who touched so many lives of those around her with her long term friendships and variety of hobbies and interests.
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mom ,keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Lawlor
April 29th, 2025
What fond memories I have of your mom and your whole family. I was blessed to call you both neighbors and friends. Your mom was always gracious allowing me to invite myself to your pool, invade the kitchen after Grey Wolf, and sleep over every night of the week. Praying for your peace as you mourn her passing.
April 29th, 2025
I have lost a dear friend of 78 years. We shared so many life experiences together, from learning how to ride bicycles, dancing, piano playing, watching our children grow into amazing adults and so much more. Our time spent together on Vancouver Island was beyond wonderful. I will miss Dianne. I have cherished memories to hold onto.
April 28th, 2025
Dianne has been a part of my life since birth. We’ve spent many happy hours as children and then his teenagers swimming at the beach at Beaver Lake, and Phantom Lake. We had many family picnics with aunts uncles and cousins.
In our youth, we spent many of our Christmases together and losing her feels like I have lost a part of myself. She and her sister Larell were such a big part of my life and it’s very sad to say goodbye. Lots of love from Joyce.
April 28th, 2025
Hey Jo,
Your mom was a hoot! I hope that the three of you are surrounded with love and laughter.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings,
Martha
April 27th, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Dianne in the 1990s. She came to us a Kelly temp and it was obvious from the get go that she was over qualified for the tasks assigned. Dianne was intelligent, caring and someone who could be counted on. She was so proud of her kids and talked about them all the time. Dianne was over the moon when she found out she was going to be a first time grandmother - her smile was as wide as the ocean. My sincere condolences to all who loved and cherished Dianne.
April 27th, 2025
Hey Jo,
Your mom was a hoot! I hope that the three of you are surrounded with love and laughter.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings,
Martha
April 27th, 2025
Dianne was a truly remarkable woman. I was in awe of her motherly love, warm smile, and soft-spoken nature, which immediately put me at ease. I first met her in 2008, along with her older sister, when I was new in Canada and met my husband's family for the first time. From that moment on, I felt grateful for how welcoming they were towards me. I never once felt out of place or unwelcome in her presence. I even remember telling my husband that I hoped to one day be like her, always poised and skilled with her hands. The gifts she gave us, such as the quilt, Afghan, table runner, mitts, and apron, hold a special place in our home and serve as cherished memories of her. She was always generous, and through the stories she shared during our visits, I felt like I had gotten to know their entire family. Our trips to Vancouver were always something I looked forward to, as we were always welcomed and loved, just like we were at home. Though she may no longer be with us, she will always be remembered fondly.
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