Obituary of Dianne Lynne Lang

May 29, 1948 – Eriksdale, Manitoba

November 18, 2023 - Cochrane, Alberta

Dianne (Mama) Lang (nee Holmes) age 75, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023, surrounded by her family after a short battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Dianne faced her cancer with grace, courage, and dignity and lived her last two and a half months with a house full of family and friends as she wished. All the visitors from near and far were a true testament to the legacy of love and family that Mama created.

Dianne was born May 29, 1948, to Lara and Gunnar Holmes in Eriksdale, MB. She had two older sisters Beverley, Margaret, and one younger sister Linda, and two younger brothers Wayne and Melvin. She grew up and went to school in the Red Lake, ON, area and it was here that her beauty and maturity caught the eye of her future husband John Lang. John and Di (as he liked to call her) were married on August 7, 1965, and spent 58 years together. They lived in Red Lake for many years where they owned and operated Atikaki Motors with friends. It was in Red Lake that their three children Kyra, John, and Paxton were born and where they later lovingly welcomed their niece Heather into the family. When they retired, they moved to Calgary, AB, to be nearer their children and grandchildren.

Mama, as she was affectionately known, by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was by any standards an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mama was the epitome of selflessness and devoted herself to her family. She ensured her family stayed close and orchestrated many opportunities for family get togethers. Mama enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and her recipes will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. She was always lending a helping hand with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they loved going to Mama’s and Fafa’s where there are always snacks and toys, and of course a popsicle and a hi-chew for the road!

In her life, Dianne touched many people. She was the friend who always reached out and made sure that you never lost touch. She was the mom and grandma who called to make sure you made it home safely. Many people are going to miss those calls. Dianne had a bright smile and a terrific sense of humour and loved sitting down to chat and share a laugh with those she loved.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents Lara and Gunnar, John’s parents Eva and John, her siblings Beverley and Melvin; her brothers-in-law Gerald, Roy, Robert, and Jerry; her nieces Tammy, Julie, Janice, and Shelley as well as her lifelong friend Donna.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years John; her children, Kyra (Bob), John (Karin), Paxton (Christie), Heather (Hans); her grandchildren Bobby (Kelsey), Ryley (Kyle), Teagan (Jordan), Steffani (Brandon), John, Matthew (Emily), Ethan (Reese), Ky, Braedyn (Bryan), Jaye, Magnus, Lennox, Bailey(Derrick), Daelyn (Jonny) and Jared (Melisa) as well as all her great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Marlee, Blake, Jackson, Dax, Walker, Nora, Charlotte, Paisley, Taylor and Greyson. She is also survived by her siblings Margaret (Gordie), Linda, and Wayne; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

John would like to send a special thank you to all the family that spent time with and took care of Mama in her final months.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Cochrane - 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB) on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for some of Mama’s favourite foods and to exchange stories, share laughs and celebrate a truly remarkable woman.

For those who are unable to view Diane's service live, a recording of the service is available below. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Dianne Lang, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.

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