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
Johanne Lefrançois
Arnold Chiasson & Carolyn Turner
Diana est une cousine "super spéciale" que mon épouse Carolyn et moi avons beaucoup aimée et avec qui nous sommes toujours demeurés en contact au fil des décennies. Nous sommes très attristés par son décès et transmettons nos plus sincères condoléances à Franceska, Danik, Chris et Marie-Thérèse.
Diana, merci pour ton amitié. Toi et ta personnalité chaleureuse resterons gravées pour toujours dans notre mémoire. Arnold & Carolyn
Évelyne Watier
Son sa gentillesse, son rire, sa présence et son merveilleux sens de l’humour sont entre autre les souvenirs que je garderais d’elle.
Je me sens honorée de l’avoir connue
Amitiés à toute sa famille
Évelyne
Lissa Constantine
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you dear Francesca and to your family. You captured her spirit here beautifully.
Gordon McMillan
I met your mother at Health Canada and was immediately swept up in her energy, and her witty comebacks to whatever boring bit I contributed to the conversation. I especially enjoyed visiting her at home… and yes, it was quite a home! I feel very privileged to have know your mother, Fran.
Richard and Arnold, Vancouver, BC
What a beautifully written piece. Captures Diana to the fullest. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting both Michael and Diana roughly 13 years ago and have had nothing but respect and love for them both. To hear of Diana's passing has stunned us. Our condolences to their family. May they sleep peacefully.
Martha Scott
What a beautiful tribute you have written - captures her perfectly. She was one of a kind and it was a privilege to have seen her in action! Love to you from our family.
Michele Wakeling
My dear Franceska, such a beautiful, hearfelt tribute to your mum. We only met twice but her exuberence & joie de vivre came through. She seemed to truly enjoy life. A truly beautiful lady inside & out. Hugs to you & your family.
Roisin McGrath
Wonderful and beautiful tribute to Diana, your amazing mum. I loved her dearly, and my Dad was entranced by her, they loved to sing together, and of course, my loving son, James-Michael, loved having a few good cheeky laughs with her. I shall always remember her kindness and generosity. She was so easy to talk to and so very young at heart. I loved her company. She always made me and my family feel at home with her dazzling smile, witty banter, and infectious laughter and out of this world cooking. Missing you Diana, shine brightly in the firmament 🌟
Natalie Lipson
My deepest sympathies to Franceska, Danik and to all of her loved ones. Diana was such a witty and spirited woman. I only had the pleasure of meeting her a few times but she left quite the impression on me. I loved her laugh and her sense of humour. She also had a lovely twinkle in her eye. The sky has a new big bright star within its vastness.
Mes sincères condoléances à Francesca et Danik,
J’ai travaillé quelques années avec Diana à Santé Canada. Très inspirant de voir une femme de 69 ans qui travaille dans la bonne humeur tout en étant rigoureuse dans son travail. Je suis peinée d’apprendre son décès mais elle restera toujours vivante dans mon cœur.