Obituary of Mary Diane Andrea

Mary “Diane” Andrea, of Calgary, passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 12, 2004 at the age of 69 years. Diane was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and lived in Birsay and Conquest, Saskatchewan during her school years. After receiving her Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in 1957 from the University of Saskatchewan, she moved to Calgary, Alberta, where she lived for over four decades. Diane was a devoted teacher, who touched countless children’s lives in the Calgary Separate and Public School systems. Her classrooms were works of art, her commitment to children’s welfare was always her prime consideration, and her professionalism was impeccable. She continued to share her gifts as a teacher long after she officially retired in 1996. A life-long learner, she continued to study art, history, literature, and theology until her last day. Fundamentally, Diane led a life centered on family, friends, and faith. She was a devoted and loving mother to her four daughters, and felt very proud of the adults they have become. As the core of her family, she truly knew she was adored, respected, and admired by her children. Diane loved being “Ama” to her eight grandchildren and was very involved in their lives. She made each grandchild feel special. Diane had numerous friends, including life-long friends, whom she cherished deeply. Her time spent with them was a great source of joy to her. Diane grounded herself in her faith, which she incorporated into every aspect of her life. Through her offering of service, she truly fed the hungry, visited the sick, and comforted the suffering. She was actively involved in and deeply committed to faith-based organizations such as the Catholic Women’s League, Inn from the Cold, the Roman Catholic Pastoral Care of Holy Spirit, and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program. As a dedicated Third-Order Franciscan, she embodied the values of peace, forgiveness, and universal love. She encouraged her daughters to “pray to the God of your understanding,” and to be honest, compassionate, and true to themselves. Diane always wanted to see the world, and was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Italy. There she reveled in the art of the great masters, immersed herself in Italy’s rich history and, above all, had the privilege of praying at the shrine of St. Francis of Assisi. Her friends and family will remember Diane for her great sense of fun, which inevitably made her the life of the party. She also faced difficult times with great courage and strength. To the end, Diane lived an active and full life: family, friends, church, pastoral care, movies, sewing, music, book club, cooking, hiking trips, and so much more. Her life was not measured in years, but in the difference she made. She will be dearly missed. Diane is survived by four loving daughters and sons-in-law: Bernadette Andrea and Ben Olguin, Jennitta Andrea and Jim Kryschuk, Jacquelyn and John Van Lierop, and Kerri and Peter Hoven; as well as eight grandchildren, Ross Andrea, Emily Hoven, Katarina Hoven, Sarah Hoven, Rachel Hoven, Ava Andrea-Kryschuk, Jack Van Lierop, and Joseph Van Lierop. She is also survived by her mother Ruth Neve; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Richard Neve, Arthur Neve, and James and Valerie Neve; a nephew, Christopher Neve; two nieces, Lisa Neve and Nicole Neve; as well as numerous close and dear friends. Diane was predeceased by her father Herbert Neve. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10827 – 24 Street S.W. on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at 7:00 P.M with the Rev. Paul Heffernan officiating. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Jack Pereira, Presider. Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 – 4 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta) on Friday, August 20, 2004 at 10:00 AM. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Inn From the Cold, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10827 – 24 Street S.W., Calgary, AB, T2W 2Z2, (403)251 – 3381 or The Calgary Zoo, Attention: George Jacob, 1300 Zoo Road, Calgary, AB, T2E 7V6, (403)232-9382. In living memory of Diane Andrea, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.