Obituary of Diane Joan Jackson

Diane Jackson née Dowgray (April 12, 1946) - On April 20th, 2023 our beloved matriarch, Diane Jackson passed away peacefully. She was surrounded by sweet music and her loving family as she made her final journey back home.

While our hearts are broken as we struggle to cope with her sudden loss, we take comfort in knowing that her beautiful spirit is free again. We know she's up there dancing with her beloved husband, Cliff, and reunited with her parents Joseph Dowgray and Maureen Jean Connolly, her grandparents, her mother-in-law Ina, and her precious grandson, Michael. 

With her flair for drama and that Dowgray determination, Diane ventured out on her own at a young age to the glamorous metropolis of Montreal ready for adventure. While her father and sisters missed her dearly, it was in Montreal that she reconnected with her mother and became a mother herself, to her beloved daughter Victoria. It was also where she would meet the love of her life, Clifford, whose sons, Dan, Ron and Chris would become precious family.

Diane had a long and accomplished career as an Insurance Underwriter where she developed lasting friendships and enjoyed mentoring new talent. 

Diane's true passion was her family. There was nothing that made her happier than spending time with loved ones. Dance recitals, hockey games, the cottage, flying to Mexico to see her sister and niece and welcoming them into her home until they got settled, trips back home to Winnipeg to spend time with sister Josie and Josie’s children and grandchildren, Dante and Corey, adventures in New York to visit Victoria, Roberto, and Olivia.   And for her dear grandchildren whom she was lucky enough to live closer to, she cherished being able to spend quality time with them and attend their special events. She loved hosting large family gatherings, sharing her love by preparing home-cooked feasts and delectable baked goods. She was so proud of her kids and grandkids and the amazing people they have become.
She loved animals and reveled in nature's majesty wherever she was, but her beautiful river in Gorrie and the graceful deer who visited her London building were particularly close to her heart. 

Diane was love. She cared deeply for her family, friends, and community and there was nothing she wouldn't do to help anyone who was struggling.  We so appreciate that her community, family, and friends rallied around her to help her rise again during her most difficult times. 

Special thanks to her dear friend Beryl, who was her constant companion, confidante, shopping buddy, and cheerleader and who made her final years so much brighter. 

While the road was not always easy, Diane left a lasting legacy of love. What a beautiful gift it was to have known her and to have been loved by her. 
She will be deeply missed by her daughter Victoria (Roberto), her sons Ron (Carrie), Chris (Kim), and Dan, her sisters Susan and Josie, her nieces and nephews Dana, Jason, Tiffany and Ileana;  her grandchildren Olivia, Megan (Jeff), Ryan (Mikela), Brooke (Devyn), Matt, Nathan, Anthony(Sam), ZacKary (Beth), Curtis, Alyssa, Shayne and her great-grandson, Deaghlan,  her dear friends Beryl, Lorraine and Dave, Amy, Nancy, Leslie, Evie, Ken and Margaret, Stephanie and Marley her beloved cat. 

Our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing team who cared for her during her time at Victoria Hospital in London - Dr. Praggar, Beverly Lewis, and the amazing Critical Care nurses, especially Marilyn for your care, support, and compassion during an extremely difficult time. 
 
The family will be holding a small celebration of Diane’s Life on Sunday July 2nd from 2-4pm Please email vljack9@gmail.com for details. 
Instead of flowers my mother loved to help others so please consider making a donation to London Cares on her behalf.  https://londoncares.ca/donate/