Diana Anne-Marie Gnarowski (Paquet) died peacefully Monday, January 13, 2025, at May Court Hospice in Ottawa. She was born July 28, 1939 in Arvida, Quebec, to parents Earl Paquet (1975) and Francoise Chiasson (1991). She grew up with siblings Armand (2020), Gerald (2011), Marie-Therese and Paul (2006). Her eyes on a bright future, she moved to Montreal where she worked and met her husband of 62 years, Michael Gnarowski (2023). Together they had three children, Franceska (Christopher Ladurantaye), Sybille (2011) and Danik.
Diana was a talented, beautiful, vivacious, loving, strong and gracious person who easily held a room in thrall with her natural talents for performance. Her flair for the dramatic must have been a direct result of her passion for opera. She had a keen sense of the absurd, a fine sense of humour and unforgettable laugh that rang like the bells of a carillon. She adored welcoming people into her gorgeous home, which was a particular source of pride. Full of art, books, fine objects and antiques, it was difficult to find a place to put your gloves down, but as a guest you knew you would be treated to an excellent meal that she had lovingly prepared with no detail overlooked. If you were lucky, dinner parties would feature one of her legendary performances of Marlene Dietrich's Lily Marlene and dancing to her favourite jazz tunes.
Diana excelled at many things including being a well respected bilingual editor at Health Canada for much of her career. She said she learned English in her early twenties by reading Somerset Maugham, which led to a lifelong avid reading habit that included reading aloud to her husband as their years advanced. She was also a committed supporter of Shepherds of Good Hope, Maycourt Hospice Care and Covenant House, among other causes dear to her.
Family and friends were much cherished by Diana and many of her circle were fortunate to see her in the weeks leading up to her passing. True to form, she held court with style and sparkle in the country, on a boat going up the Gatineau or in hospice care. She showed us all how to live, long may she live in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to May Court Hospice or Shepherds of Good Hope.
A celebration of life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery Friday, March 7, 2025.
Livre de visiteurs
Johanne Lefrançois
Arnold Chiasson & Carolyn Turner
Diana est une cousine "super spéciale" que mon épouse Carolyn et moi avons beaucoup aimée et avec qui nous sommes toujours demeurés en contact au fil des décennies. Nous sommes très attristés par son décès et transmettons nos plus sincères condoléances à Franceska, Danik, Chris et Marie-Thérèse.
Diana, merci pour ton amitié. Toi et ta personnalité chaleureuse resterons gravées pour toujours dans notre mémoire. Arnold & Carolyn
Évelyne Watier
Son sa gentillesse, son rire, sa présence et son merveilleux sens de l’humour sont entre autre les souvenirs que je garderais d’elle.
Je me sens honorée de l’avoir connue
Amitiés à toute sa famille
Évelyne
Mes sincères condoléances à Francesca et Danik,
J’ai travaillé quelques années avec Diana à Santé Canada. Très inspirant de voir une femme de 69 ans qui travaille dans la bonne humeur tout en étant rigoureuse dans son travail. Je suis peinée d’apprendre son décès mais elle restera toujours vivante dans mon cœur.