Diane Forsythe

On May 13, 2021 at Bluewater Health, Diane (nee Ross) Forsythe passed away at the age of 84.  After an 8-year battle with dementia, Diane died peacefully in the early morning with her loving husband and family by her side. Diane was born on March 24, 1937 in Sarnia to Isabel (nee McCarty) Mathieson and Jack Ross. They had four children: John (Gwen) Ross, the late Beth (Gord) Parker, Diane (Owen) Forsythe, and Bronwen (David) Kelley. After Jack passed away in 1946, Cecil Mathieson was a kind and loving stepfather to Diane and her siblings. At the age of 2, Diane was stricken with polio but this didn’t stop her from doing the things she wanted to do in life.

Through her resilience she learned to drive, learned to swim with the” best neighbour” Shirley,  and travelled the world. In 1955, Diane met Owen Forsythe of Kentville, Nova Scotia, who was in town visiting his sister Gwen (nee Forsythe) Ross. Diane and Owen were married for 63 wonderful years. Diane spoke fondly and often of the summer of 1955 and her coming-of-age years in Sarnia surrounded by family and friends. Diane and Owen had two children, Maureen (Craig) Carson and Ross Forsythe.  She loved and spoiled her three granddaughters Chandra Carson, Jenna (Scott) Webster, and Andie Carson. In the last years of her life, she was particularly enamored by her adorable great-grandson, August Webster. Diane was a social butterfly and a bright spirit with a contagious laugh who kept her family smiling until the very end. Diane enjoyed gardening, shopping with Bronwen, travelling with her husband and great friends Janice and George Cann, spending quality time with her grandchildren and enthusiastically attending their school and sporting events, puzzling in the kitchen while humming old tunes, watching Jeopardy, rummoli nights with the Egan clan, scooting through the mall and socializing with every passerby.  During an unprecedented year, Diane was well taken care of throughout her illness by her wonderful husband “Ollie” and daughter Maureen, who kept her safe and at home until her last few days.

We adore and will dearly miss Diane - our sweetheart, Mom, Grandma, Auntie Di.

Thank you to the VON nurses and PSWs (especially Mary, Susan, Victoria, Fiona, and Leah) for caring for Diane with such love. A special thank you to the Palliative Care team both at the LHIN & BWH for their compassion and excellent care, including Dr. Crombeen and Dr. Maddison.

A private family funeral service will be live-streamed through the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre website (www.djrobb.on.ca and click on Diane’s obituary) on Tuesday May 18th at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date when it is safe to do so.  If desired, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia Lambton and are much appreciated.

Please note, as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, all in attendance are required to social distance and to wear a face mask. 

Arrangements entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia). Memories, photos or messages of condolence may be shared at www.djrobb.on.ca