Diane (Di) Elizabeth Spakowski

Diane (Di) Elizabeth Spakowski (nee Smith) passed away suddenly but peacefully on Monday, January 11th, 2021 at age 65. She was surrounded by her loving husband Terry and daughters Jennifer and Michelle.

Born March 27th, 1955 to Roy and Kay (Catherine) Smith in Oshawa, ON, Diane’s family moved around quite a bit before settling down in Winnipeg, MB where she grew up. Later Diane moved to Thunder Bay, ON where she lived the rest of her days. In October 1981 she married the love of her life Terry Spakowski, and they raised two daughters Jennifer and Michelle.

Diane spent most of her career as a Church Secretary at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and as Head Wardrobe at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. She retired from both jobs in 2019 after over 30 years of service. Diane loved to read, crochet and cared for everyone around her. Her favourite place to vacation every summer since she was a child was Blue Lake Provincial Park, which she knew as a second home. Diane loved spending a lot of time with her granddaughters; baking and watching them grow, doing anything she could to support them and her daughters. She selflessly gave of herself to her Church Community at Calvary Lutheran Church, volunteering and baking when she could. She was known to all who knew her as a caring and supportive friend, generous with her love. Often she would make Fish (Dish) Cloths and Baby Blankets and give them away to everyone she knew and anyone who cared for her. It brought her great joy to see others happy.

Diane was preceded in death by her mother Kay (Catherine) and father Roy Smith as well as Wanda Wallace. She is survived by her husband Terry, and daughters Jennifer Berube (Simone, Denis Renaud), Michelle Spakowski (Andrew Mior, Abigail and baby on the way). Also survived by her brothers Dave Smith (Joy, Matthew and Andrea, nieces and nephews) and Rob Smith (Larry Lepla).

Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Diane’s favourite cause. A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.