Diana Anne-Marie Gnarowski (Paquet) died peacefully Monday, January 13, 2025, at May Court Hospice in Ottawa. She was born July 28, 1939 in Arvida, Quebec, to parents Earl Paquet (1975) and Francoise Chiasson (1991). She grew up with siblings Armand (2020), Gerald (2011), Marie-Therese and Paul (2006). Her eyes on a bright future, she moved to Montreal where she worked and met her husband of 62 years, Michael Gnarowski (2023). Together they had three children, Franceska (Christopher Ladurantaye), Sybille (2011) and Danik.
Diana was a talented, beautiful, vivacious, loving, strong and gracious person who easily held a room in thrall with her natural talents for performance. Her flair for the dramatic must have been a direct result of her passion for opera. She had a keen sense of the absurd, a fine sense of humour and unforgettable laugh that rang like the bells of a carillon. She adored welcoming people into her gorgeous home, which was a particular source of pride. Full of art, books, fine objects and antiques, it was difficult to find a place to put your gloves down, but as a guest you knew you would be treated to an excellent meal that she had lovingly prepared with no detail overlooked. If you were lucky, dinner parties would feature one of her legendary performances of Marlene Dietrich's Lily Marlene and dancing to her favourite jazz tunes.
Diana excelled at many things including being a well respected bilingual editor at Health Canada for much of her career. She said she learned English in her early twenties by reading Somerset Maugham, which led to a lifelong avid reading habit that included reading aloud to her husband as their years advanced. She was also a committed supporter of Shepherds of Good Hope, Maycourt Hospice Care and Covenant House, among other causes dear to her.
Family and friends were much cherished by Diana and many of her circle were fortunate to see her in the weeks leading up to her passing. True to form, she held court with style and sparkle in the country, on a boat going up the Gatineau or in hospice care. She showed us all how to live, long may she live in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to May Court Hospice or Shepherds of Good Hope.
A celebration of life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery Friday, March 7, 2025.
Digital Guestbook
Maureen Holmes
Aurore Rogers
Ma grande amie Diana, tu es parti beaucoup trop vite.
Mes plus sincères condoléances Franceska (Chris) & Danik. J'ai fait la rencontre de votre Maman à Santé Canada en l'an 2000 où on a passé du bon temps ensemble et que de bons souvernis. On a continué nos petites sorties entre collègues avec Maureen et Joanne même après notre retraite. Ces sorties ne seront plus les mêmes sans toi chère Diana.
Tu nous manques déjà énormément Diana et ton rire contagieux est à jamais gravé dans notre mémoire. Tu seras toujours dans nos cœurs comme une personne généreuse, chaleureuse, pleine de vie et qui adorait chanter.
Bon courage famille et amis…. La douleur et la peine que nous avons de l’avoir perdue ne doit surtout pas nous faire oublier la chance et le bonheur que nous avons eu de l’avoir dans nos vies. Love you mon Amie 🩷
Julie Garvey
Lovely gracious Diana. I’m so sorry for your loss Franceska. I first met Diana when she attended our annual ‘ladies’ tea party. She had very recently lost her beloved husband Michael but was so charming and charmed to be there. She regaled us all with romantic stories of the early days in Montreal as well as a lifetime of other fascinating tales. I think Diana was truly in her element.
It was a lovely day that will be remembered with warm affection by all the ladies.
I know Franceska that you were a wonderful, loving and supportive daughter. And these are sad and no doubt often lonely times but please remember you are loved by many and are not alone. ❤️
Colleen Arseneau
Dear Franceska and Danik,
It was a privilege to have had your dear mother’s friendship during the past 20 years. Our common interest was opera but as our friendship grew, we exchanged books, and exchanged views on many issues. Your mother was a voracious reader and I couldn’t keep up to her. She received me into her home in Kemptville many times and then in her beautiful condominium after her move back into the city. I shall miss her beyond words. My deepest condolences to you and to Chris. I know that the angels have already been blessed with a beautiful new soprano in their choir.
Colleen
Angelina Mangone
Sending heartfelt condolences to Francesa and Danik for this immense loss.
You were both very lucky to have such a wonderful , engaging , caring mom by your side.
As a member of our birthday group Diana always managed to add a touch of magic and joie de vivre to our gatherings . Her uplifting and charming nature always set the tone for a jovial time amongst us all. She embraced every moment and lived life to its fullest. Thank you Diana for your friendship and may God embrace you now in his loving arms… forever !!
Angelina Mangone
Sincere condolences to Francesca and Danish on the loss of your precious mother
Diana was a woman filled with la joie de vivre. She was part of our birthday group .We met once a month to celebrate our birthdays and Diana was always the first to burst out in song when it was time to sing or any old time at all . She dressed beautifully and was a classy lady through and through.
We will miss her, enthusiasm, her camaraderie and the famous twinkle in her eyes.
Diana, you can now Rest In Peace with your loving husband Michael. He will be so glad to have you again by his side.
Theresa Michel
Dear Franceska and Danik: Sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Mother.
Diana was a very kind and caring person I met many years ago through a mutual friend, the late Jackie A. Diana’s style and personality stood out and it was such a
pleasure being in her company. Her interesting conversations on current affairs, her optimism, joie de vivre and sense of humour will be greatly missed by all her friends. We attended Concerts and Operas over the years and were very impressed
with her beautiful voice.
Whether as a guest for Lunch in Diana’s beautifully-appointed home where she
excelled as a gourmet cook and a charming and gracious hostess or out socially at some event, being in Diana’s company was always so memorable, uplifting and so
much fun.
Diana, you were a beautiful person inside and out and we will never forget you.
May you rest in peace.
Colleen Downey
I only had a marginal relationship with the beautiful Diana after moving into Strathmore Towers 3 years ago. We would meet in the elevator or lobby occasionally and spent time together at the Halloween and Christmas celebrations. She was sometimes a customer at the wine store I work at, only selecting the best wine for a friend. I really enjoyed getting to know her. She was gracious and kind and so beautiful! I have been thinking about her the last few weeks and wondering why I had not seen her. I am so sad to now know why. The last time I saw her at the Christmas party in the building I told her I wanted to have her to my place for a cup of tea or a glass of wine - she twinkled and said "yes, love, a glass of wine would be better"! She was such a lovely woman and I am so sorry that she is gone. I would have loved to have had the chance to have known her better. Rest in peace. beautiful Lady Diana. Condolences to her family.
Love you Diana. Diana and I met at Health Canada over 20 years ago and continued our friendship after we both retired. She was such a warm, friendly and caring person and very sophisticated as well. I was fortunate to have attended wonderful parties in Michael and Diana’s beautiful home in Kemptville where delicious food, prepared by Diana, and plentiful drinks were served. Diana and Michael were such charming hosts. During my last visit with Diana at the Ottawa General Hospital she told me that she would be keeping watch over me and I know for sure she will. Always thinking of others until the end. She was upbeat and we had a number of laughs together. I will miss Diana’s signature laugh and her incredible interest in my children and grandchildren. Our regular lunches with two of our dear colleagues, Joanne and Aurore, will not be the same without her. Bye for now Diana, but never far from my thoughts.