Diane Van Doren, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, left us for Heaven on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 93. Left behind to honour Diane and remember her love are her sisters, Shirley Michelmore, of Hawaii, Sharon (Virgil) Hughes, of Hawaii, Madeleine (Verne) Mackenzie, of Gibson’s B.C., Catherine Craig, of Duncan, B.C.; and Diane’s children, Lewis Van Doren, of Red Deer, Tina (Stu) Simpson, of Calgary, Robert (Nadia) Van Doren, of Calgary, Paul (Wendy) Van Doren, of Three Hills, her nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Diane was predeceased by her son Greg (1997), and her husband George (2011). Diane was born on June 6, 1929 in Prince George, B.C., to Julia (Izowsky) and Dr. Peter Carr. Around 1935 the family moved to Vancouver where Peter began his chiropractic career. Diane attended school at Immaculate Conception, Convent of the Sacred Heart, and then the University of British Columbia where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. It was there that she met the love of her life, George Van Doren. They married in 1951 and soon moved to Three Hills to begin raising a family and manage the farm business. During her years in Three Hills, Diane’s community was very important to her. She joined the Catholic Women’s League where she served for 70 years. She taught Catechism, provided pastoral care, helped with Meals on Wheels, served on the school board, all while raising her family. She and George traveled the world and spent many winters in Hawaii. The warm tropical breezes and sand between her toes filled her soul, and Hawaii quickly became her favorite place to be. Diane nourished others with her love and faith. She drew people in with her warm, caring spirit. As a result, she was blessed with many amazing people in her life, who were all familiar with that twinkle in her eye. Diane’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the healthcare workers who provided Diane with such great care, Dr. Adina McBain, Alicia Wiebe, Carmen Leischner, and the Home Care Team. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 16, at 1:00 pm, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 109 6th Ave. N., Three Hills, Alberta. Reception to follow at the Three Hills Community Centre’s Lodge Room, 222 Main Street, Three Hills, Alberta. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Three Hills Hospital Auxiliary and to the Three Hills Library.
