Marguerite Anne Diano

With loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Anne Diano, who left us at the age of 87 on June 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born October 22, 1937, in Edmonton, Alberta, to Kathleen and Gordon Johnston, Anne grew up in Vancouver. She went to school at Maple Grove Elementary, to Point Grey High School (grades 7-9) then she went to boarding school at Queen Margaret’s on Vancouver Island. Her mother felt Anne was rebellious and needed taming! We loved that part of her.

After surviving private school, she pushed onto the University of British Columbia where she managed to collect a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in French. It was her French that took her abroad to Europe on scholarship to the University of Strasbourg in France. It was in Europe that her life would change forever.

Travelling alone through Europe, she made it to Genoa, Italy. There, at the age of 24, she met Enrico Alfonso Diano – a true blooded Italian from Salerno, Italy who was away on a work trip. The classic love story, they fell together and stayed together eventually marrying and ending up back in Vancouver. His family fell in love with her too, and he fell in love with his Canadian life. At their wedding, she wore a borrowed dress (thanks Sheila) and he wore a borrowed suit (from Vittorio back in Italy).

After having her children, Anne went back to complete a 3rd degree: a Masters in Librarianship. By then Anne had transformed into a mother, wife and professional working woman! She went on to have a successful career at the Vancouver Public Library. It was her steadiness and keen passion for knowledge, reading, and synthesizing insights for patrons, that led her to become the head of various Divisions – Science and Technology and then Business and Economics. She was tapped to be the union representative for staff and it was her wise counsel that navigated many grievances between staff and management.

It was her family, though, that was her priority. She was a steadfast companion to Enrico on many trips to Italy and Europe, on fishing trips in BC, visits to Alberta to see family and later, Arizona with Toy and Ron Baker. She was an avid swimmer, and it was on those trips to Italy that she enjoyed long swims in the warm blue Mediterranean.

She kept her faith up too, often riding her bike to church on her own to cultivate her own personal relationship with God. Today as we reflect on her life, we see how this spiritual dedication helped shape her children and influenced her long-standing relationships with friends. Anne was steady and loyal yet clear when one had crossed the line (especially her kids!) Her wonderful sense of humour and beautiful laugh, kept us energized and clear that we were loved.

Anne cherished her relatives, Jane, Bill, and Gary. She especially held her friendships dear. People like Angela Haaf, Sheila Ross, Sandra May, Elizabeth Fletcher, Nancy Clegg, Marion Price, Pat Haffenden, Terry Dobroslavic, and many more. Anne made a point of keeping in touch, often through writing letters and cards, and often spoke fondly of her relatives and friends and their goings on

In the latter years, Anne developed Alzheimer's and dementia. She remained a bright light and showed us to be an incredible champion through it all. With an occasional soft laugh, a subtle nod, and a few words here and there, she rose above the debilitation and requirement for fulltime care. She gifted us with her presence and heart to the end.

Predeceased by her parents, Kathleen and Gordon Johnston, Auntie Bim, Ethel, Cathy, Uncles Raymond, Morley, and Burt, cousins Toy and Ron, Lloyd and Jesse, and Beverly. She is survived by her husband, Enrico Diano, children Linda and Carlo Diano, her cousins Bill Reed, Gary Reed, and Jane Moore, and countless friends near and far.

Anne often commented she outlived her parents. For that we are forever grateful. Our hearts with always swell with love for you, Anne.

Church Service & Reception

For more information on the church service and reception details, please email: annegathering604@gmail.com

Service:

Tues July 08, 2025, St John's of Vancouver 5350 Baillie St., Vancouver

Reception:

Van Dusen Gardens (33rd and Oak)