Diane Belair (nee Foster)
Born on June 8th, 1942 in Kenora, Ontario passed away peacefully September 28, 2022 at Pinecrest Home for the Aged.
Diane leaves behind her daughters, Cathy and her husband Dean Kropp, Angela and her husband Steve Ferguson and the lights of her life for the last 27 years, Grandchildren, Mitchell and Ally Kropp and Craig and Amy Ferguson. She is also survived by her adopted sons Bob Scheinder, Fred Pauletig, Mark Clark and their families, numerous nieces and nephews, sisters-in-laws, Cathy Foster, Doreen Belair and their families.
Diane was predeceased by her loving husband, Dennis Belair, her parents Angela and Harry Foster, Sr. her in-laws Norah and Emilien Belair, Brothers, Sisters, Brothers-in-Law, Sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Diane had numerous office jobs over the course of her life. A few of her favourite jobs included working for the RCMP as an administrative-assistant. Standard Realty held a special place in her heart as this was her first place of full time employment. Mom was honoured with the Ontario Volunteer Award for the many hours spent volunteering at King George VI School. She loved helping with lunch program, making cookbooks, helping in the classroom and anything else that needed to be done. She took great pride in being called "The Pizza Lady" and cherished her relationships with the students (including her grandchildren) and staff, many who became life-long friends.
"Maw", also spent many hours volunteering for the Kenora Muskies which lead to her boarding numerous young hockey players many who became full members of the Belair Family.
Her love for hockey continued when she was spending time in Winnipeg watching and coaching from the sidelines her older grandchildren while they played hockey. Mom loved her Winnipeg Jets and never missed an opportunity to see them live or on TV. Mom was something of a hockey expert who knew the rules of the game better than most officials and she was never shy to share her opinions about an errant call.
Mom gave generously of her time to friends and family and was always there to help. Whether it was hosting weddings, showers, birthdays and any excuse to get together to enjoy her friends and families company.
Anyone who truly knew Mom, Grandma knew that her family always came first. She would do anything to make sure that they were safe, loved, well cared for and supported.
A special thank you to all who provided such wonderful care during her cancer treatment and numerous hospital stays. Getting to the hospital without the help of our EMTs would have been impossible. Without the support and care from Dr. Brad Kyle and his office staff, things would have been even more difficult for Diane and family. Even though her stay at Pinecrest was short we can never express enough thanks to the numerous people that helped her and the family on her final journey. Very few people have a life-long friend like Gwen Holmstrom who was always there for her and mom cherished that friendship.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 8th, 2022 at 11:00 am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre with Pastor Cathy Giroux officiating.
You can also attend the service through live stream at https://fweb.tv/87037.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Pinecrest Home - Hospice care.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Belair family.