Diana Pearl (Potvin) Smith

SMITH - Diana Pearl (nee Potvin) of Woodstock in her 63rd year, beloved wife of Russell for 41 years and loving mother and indispensable best-girlfriend of Natasha Diane (Karl) Gurney of Burlington, died quietly, with her family by her side, at Woodstock General Hospital on Friday morning, October 17, 2008 after a prolonged period of poor health. Besides her husband and daughter, Diana is survived by her mother Helen (Zolob), brothers Georges (Lorraine) and Larry, sisters Jackie (friend Royal) and Linda Potvin all of Timmins, sisters Carole (Mike) Fortier of Sudbury, Eleanor (Paul) Shawcross of Paddockwood, Saskatchewan, Darlene (Barry) Holmes of Peterborough and sister-in-law Audrey (William) Snel of Owen Sound. She also leaves behind many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Diana was predeceased by her father Vital (1991), brother Garry (1946), sister Doreen (1989), father and mother-in-law Elmer (1995) and Esther (2002) Smith and brother-in-laws Murray Smith (1966), Jerry Sasseville (1979) and Gaeten Jodouin (1997). Diana was born in Timmins on 6 May 1946 and moved to Toronto in 1966. She was best friend to Claudette, Murray's fiancée and it was at their wedding where she met and fell in love with Russell - she always said his blue eyes captured her heart. When Murray was killed a month later, they met again at his funeral and the seed of love that had been planted blossomed and eight months later, in Norwich on 10 June 1967, they were married. With the exception of one year in British Columbia, they resided both in the village and for 19 years at the Norwich Gore on a hobby farm, before moving to Woodstock in 1991. While living in the Norwich area, Diana worked at the Norwich Archives and Museum for many years. In 1970 their family hope was fulfilled when they adopted Natasha. Diana loved people and animals and her life revolved around her family and friends - she lived her life giving unselfishly to anyone or any creature that was in need of assistance. Her merry laugh and infectious smile, which would light up a room, will be very much missed. Of the many friends that Diana had, she will especially be missed by her very best long-time friends Carol Steinhoff and Pat Gilmore who were always there for her in her times of need. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place in the Norwich cemetery. At Diana's request, and in lieu of a funeral service, a celebration of her life will take place at a later time. Contributions to the Sunshine Foundation would be appreciated and may be arranged through the Longworth Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, 519-539-0004. Online condolences at www.longworthfuneralhome.com