Obituary of Diane W. STEVENS

1939 – 2014 “The Lady With The Hat” Diane passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 in the presence of family after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her son Philip (Jillian), brother Winston, step-children Dave (Carol), Trish (Jeff) and Phyllis, grandchildren Kristi (Brent), Richard, Christopher and Matthew and great-grandchildren Dante and Kaydence. She will be equally missed by her loving extended family and large circle of wonderful friends. Diane was predeceased by her beloved husband Lou, her son Jody and her youngest brother Phil. Diane was a born entertainer in life and embraced that talent during the many careers she walked into and succeeded at during her lifetime. Early childhood years in the prosperous Toronto suburb of Willowdale encouraged that love of theatre with her beloved grandmother Sarah Parker of the famed Hayden acting troupe in Edwardian England enchanting her with descriptions of stage sets of the famed “Liberty Girls.” Diane Hayden subsequently became her chosen stage name. From those early years in Toronto, one of four siblings, she evolved into a perpetually tall elegant figure who embraced theatre, radio and television roles and who couldn’t resist, if the timing was just right, a mention of her role in ‘Superman II’. Diane adored good clothing along with flamboyant signature hats for all occasions and was known, during her successful Calgary realtor years as just that – “The Lady with the Hat.” Often a white hat of course and distinctly “Cowtown” in appearance, her friends all remember that same flamboyance when, after the Calgary Stampede parade one year she rode a horse into the Four Seasons Hotel dressed in full Indian costume. Her years as a Head Hunter with Drake Employment were equally distinctive and successful and she cherished her memories of bringing up two boys as a single mother while helping many people find employment in downtown Calgary offices. With Geophysicist Lou Stevens and a very happy final marriage stretching over 26 thoroughly enjoyed years, Diane found her soul-mate. Both bon viveurs and lovers of her own expertly prepared food, hospitality at their “Stevens Resort” was renowned and spectacular during their ’81-’96 Denver oil patch years. Her grandchildren fondly remember being thoroughly spoiled during their month long summer visits with Grandma and Grandpa in Denver. In recent years Diane has struggled with lung and heart conditions and her family is grateful for outstanding care by Foothills emergency services, Diane’s beloved C3 program (Carewest Sarcee) where her love of bridge continued during recreational outings. In her closing hours she received superbly compassionate care from Rockyview Emergency nurses and doctors. Her son Phillip was at her side and the good-bye was very peaceful. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ab.ca, a cause that she canvassed for regularly. In living memory of Diane Stevens, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.