In the early morning hours of Friday, September 20th, 2013, Diane passed away peacefully from natural causes at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home in Kamloops, B.C. Diane was 69 years old.

Diane was born on June 12, 1944 in Vernon, B.C., to Rita Phillips (Ford) and Jack Phillips. Her father worked in the gas industry, so they moved around a lot while she was growing up, but they eventually settled in Kamloops, B.C. There she met Charles Alexander Brown and they were married soon after Diane completed high school.

Diane and Charlie stayed in the Kamloops area, finally making their home up at Little Heffley Lake in 1972. They had two children, Dana Andrew Brown and Deborah Leigh Watson. Diane eventually moved to Calgary, AB, to be closer to her grandchildren and to access better medical care. Although Diane and Charlie no longer lived together at that point, they remained close and cared deeply for each other.

Diane lived with her daughter Deb, and her granddaughters Courtenay and Victoria, and the family moved about until settling again in Kamloops. Diane was able to renew old friendships and make new ones. Although her health was poor for many years, she always seemed to be able to find the energy to care for those around her. She always put her family's needs first, and that carried on even when her children were grown.

In her later years, Diane lived at Bedford Manor, which she made her home. She took care of people there, just like she had always done for her family.

Diane was part of the family at St. George's Church in Kamloops, and she continued to attend services provided by the church at Bedford Manor.

Diane loved doing crafts and made many beautiful pieces. Family members, friends, and foster pets enjoy the afghans she made over the years. Eventually, her vision prevented her from being able to do the fine work she loved, such as sewing and needlework.

Diane was a great cook, and even though she didn't do much cooking for herself in the past few years, her family would always go to her for favourite recipes and cooking tips.

Diane loved animals, and she had a very hard time giving up her little dog, Sheela, when she moved to Bedford. Fortunately, a family friend knew of a good adoptive home, and Sheela's new family brought her to visit Diane from time to time so that they could remain close.

Diane will be greatly missed by her family, her friends, and the staff at Bedford Manor.

Throughout this challenging time, many people commented over and over that Diane was lucky to have the family and support she had. The fact that they were able to be there for her and each other was only possible because Diane had taught them how to be a family and how to support one another. She has left a lasting legacy of caring and love for her family and friends.

Diane is survived by her brother Donald Phillips of Campbell River, B.C.; her brother Darrel Phillips (Helen) of Merritt, B.C.; her sister Deena Holden (Bill) of Comox, B.C.; her son Dana Brown (Marjory) of Calgary, AB; her daughter Deb (Chris) of Kamloops, B.C.; and her grandchildren Stefan Brown of Kingston, ON, Tyler Brown of Calgary, AB, Courtenay Watson of Kamloops, B.C. and Victoria Watson (Carlin) of Kamloops, B.C.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 26th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George's Church, 308 Royal Avenue, Kamloops, B.C. The Celebration will be followed by a tea.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kamloops Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome and can be sent to St. George's Church.

Donations in Diane's memory, can be made to the BC Civil Liberties Association at:
http://bccla.org/take-action/donate/.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bedford Manor, who made her time there so wonderful; the staff at the Kamloops Hospice, who made her last days as easy as possible for both Diane and her loved ones; and all of the friends and family who were there for Diane and her family throughout the weeks preceding her death.