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. ❤️
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.