Obituary of Jean Diane Snow

Jean Diane (Diana, Di) Snow, born October 10, 1936, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at Good Shepherd Villa on April 8, 2024, at the age of 87 years.  Diana was born in Regina, SK, and spent the first five years of her life in Creelman, SK,  where her father worked as a travelling dentist. The family eventually moved to Calgary, AB, where Di completed her schooling.  She attended the U of A in Edmonton, AB, obtaining her Sociology degree, enabling her to work with teen moms and at-risk youth. Di moved to Vancouver and initially worked writing copy in the advertising department of a radio station.  Subsequently, she held various visitor services positions at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Planetarium. In the early 70’s, Di purchased a character home in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, converting some of it into rental suites. She enjoyed meeting new people in her role as landlady, and the Kits home was a welcoming space over the years for friends and family.  Di was able to pursue her passion for gardening during this time, completing a Master Gardener course and developing the grounds of her home into a beautiful garden. She was an avid reader, especially poetry, collected lovely coloured glass jars adding to the beauty and ambience of her home, loved dancing, and the color purple! In around 1975, Di met Gerry Dawes, a former member of the British Navy, and they spent many happy years together. One favourite pastime they shared was sailing on Libra Star around the Gulf Islands. Gerry passed away in 1994.  In the late 90’s, Di connected with her current partner Bob Mansfield, and they lovingly took care of each for over 25 years, sharing time in the Kitsilano home, as well as moving on to other residences for seniors in Vancouver, and then to Prince Albert, SK. Di was a pleasure to be around and had a talent for initiating interesting and provocative conversations. She was a feminist at heart. She had a gift of hospitality, ensuring that everyone felt welcome in her home, wherever she lived. We will all sorely miss her loving and stimulating presence in our lives.

Diana was predeceased by her parents, Monte and Marjorie Snow; all her siblings, Jim Snow, Claire Barriger, Fran Ludwig, Don Snow; and nephew Bill Ludwig. Diana is survived by her loving partner, Bob Mansfield of Prince Albert, SK; niece, Lori (Mel) Kelley of Prince Albert, SK, and their children Ben (Brittni) Kelley and daughters, Palmer and Lennon of Warman, SK; Matt (Brett) Kelley and daughter, Reese of Humboldt, SK; nephew, Jim Ludwig of Cranbrook, BC; niece-in-law Darcy Ludwig of Tisdale, SK, and her daughter, Carly Ludwig (Codi Almasi) Jack and Isla of Fort Saskatchewan, AB; sister-in-law, Linda Snow of Calgary, AB; children, Nikko Snow (Adam Fawkes),Tori and Railay of Victoria, BC; Tim (Jasmine) Snow and Ryder and Amika of Burnaby, BC; Bob’s daughters, Liz Mansfield (Don Travierso), her children, Leah and Sara of Cranbrook, BC; Erica (Rob) Pikola, Liam and Misha of Kelowna, BC; numerous other dear friends and relatives.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Shepherd Villa for all of their care and compassion for Diana.

A Celebration of Diana’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Good Shepherd Villa, Prince Albert, SK.  In lieu of other tributes, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, https://alzheimer.ca/en . 

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.