Obituary of Diana Marguerite Purves

July 11, 1941 – Calgary, Alberta

July 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Diana Purves, beloved wife of Ross and loving mother to Sandra and Brian, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024, at 82.99 years of age. Diana devoted her life to her family and music.

Diana was born in Calgary but spent her early years on a homestead in Fallen Timber, AB, and then on a farm near Didsbury, AB. She began her lifelong love of the piano in the small farmhouse where she learned to play. Diana’s family moved to Calgary in her later teens, where she completed high school. Her first career choice was to teach piano, but Diana was encouraged by her own piano teacher to teach in the school system. Following that advice, she attended the Calgary campus of the University of Alberta for her diploma in teaching, followed by a Bachelor of Education. Diana started her teaching career with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) in the ‘60s, focusing on music and English, and retired from the CBE over 40 years later.

Diana and Ross were married in 1968 and enjoyed 56 years together. When their first child (Sandra) was born, Diana paused her teaching career. Two years later, Brian was born. Diana directed her energy into raising the children and managing the home with a more than capable hand. She volunteered in many roles and made sure her children had opportunities in music and sports.

Diana returned to studies and the classroom in the 1980s. She completed a Diploma in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary, specializing in the Kodály and Orff methods of teaching music. Diana’s focus for the rest of her career was to introduce and encourage the love of music in students in the Calgary school system.

Music was a large part of Diana’s life outside the classroom. She sang in many choirs and played piano at church, in seniors homes, at Heritage Park during the Christmas season, and as an accompanist for choirs. She made sure her own children and grandchildren were given a strong foundation in music and encouraged every musical interest. Diana had quite an eclectic taste in music and loved to attend concerts, musicals, operas, the performances of her nieces, and the piano recitals of her grandchildren.

Diana always remained very close to her parents and sister, Fay. The family spent many meals, holiday celebrations, and vacations together between their homes, Chestermere Lake and the Okanagan.

Diana will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ross, daughter Sandra (Matt), son Brian (Vanessa), grandchildren Ariele, Levi, and Chaz; and her nieces, Sheryl and Heather, and their families. Diana was predeceased by her parents, Art and Ann Rothwell; and her sister Fay (Oscar).

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, parkinsonassociation.ca

A Celebration of Diana’s Life will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow at the Church.   

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Purves’ service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Diana’s family here.

In living memory of Diana Purves, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to Watch Diana's Celebration of Life