With heavy hearts, we announce that after a brief illness, Diane Grayson, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away in TBRHSC on May 10th, 2016 at the age of 73 years.
Diane was born in Manitoba in 1942 where she spent her early years on her Baba’s farm, feeding chickens, riding cows and speaking her first language, Ukrainian.
She later moved to Port Arthur with her parents where she grew up, became an x-ray tech and met her future husband, Lorne, and married in 1963. She put her career on hold and devoted herself to raising their three children.
Later, she “planted her roots” at Vanderwees Greenhouses, her second home. Here, she dedicated over 35 years, enjoying her true passion, working with plants and people. She loved interacting with her customers who sought her out for her sound gardening advice. Diane’s love of gardening carried over to her own backyard where she and Lorne developed beautiful gardens and a pond.
Indoors, Diane loved being in her kitchen, browsing her many cookbooks and creating delicious food, always ready for unexpected company. She loved her family and immensely enjoyed gatherings. She took great pleasure in her grandchildren, including the naughty 4-legged furry ones. Her humour, wisdom, strength and courage gained much admiration by those who knew her best. She will be missed.
Diane is survived by her husband Lorne Grayson, daughters Jody Allen (Danny), Donna Michon (Mike), son Geoff (Kelly), grandchildren Amanda Korhonen (Brenden), Katie Michon (Matt), Kyle Michon, Tyler Allen, Christopher Michon, Jamie Allen, Cody Michon, Johnathon Grayson, Ashlee Grayson, six great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Carol Fehr (Garry), sister Bonnie Wagg, brother Randy Fehr (Mary) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents Rose and Jim Fehr, brother Garry Fehr, grandson Michael Michon and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Ed Long.
Visitation for friends will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the TBRHSC/Missing Piece Campaign or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated.
As butterflies are free to fly, so too are you now, Mom. We love you and miss you deeply.
