It is with profound sadness that the family of Diana Ireland (née: Fortin) announces her passing on Saturday, December 23rd, 2023.
Diana was born on March 2nd, 1951, to Dorthy and George Fortin. Diana lived a life of loving generosity and concern for others. The stories from her childhood in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan highlight her passion for family, friends, learning and the Catholic Church. At the age of 15, she moved closer to her network of extended family when her father took up farming in Mossbank, SK. Here she met Bryan Ireland, whom she married on October 4th, 1969.
Diana’s motherly instincts and deep sense of duty to the care of others emerged at a young age. This gift was useful and necessary, however, as her mother Dorthy’s Multiple Sclerosis required Diana to take on more responsibility for household tasks and her two younger brothers, Ron and Brian.
Diana and Bryan had two children. Brenda and James have been beneficiaries of generous parenting; encouraged to also pursue lives of service to family and duty to society. They attempt to live up to these expectations and instill similar values in their own families in Saskatoon, SK and Canmore, AB today.
Educated at the University of Regina, Diana’s caring nature extended into her professional career in banking, business counselling and economic development. Her dedication to the mission of service to others helped many families, entrepreneurs, community organizations, businesses and communities succeed economically.
Bryan’s career took the family to Outlook, Regina, Moose Jaw and a brief stint in Nipawin, SK. Diana took pride in her homemaking (always with a large garden) in each of these communities. Together with Bryan, she also made lifelong friendships along the way.
Diana looked forward to celebrating 55 years of marriage to Bryan in 2024. Beyond their family, their partnership centred on travel adventures. Diana and Bryan loved to hop in the car to see the world around them. Often trips involved maintaining connections with family and friends; particular highlights for Diana included trips to Cuba and Mexico with George and Ron, New Zealand with Brenda, trips to Hawaii with James’ family, and special trips she and Bryan took to Alaska and Europe.
Breast cancer-related complications caused a life-threatening respiratory failure in 2019. Diana’s determined and miraculous recovery was an amazing gift to her family. As health required staying closer to home this year, Diana brought a new puppy, Penny, into the home, a continuing companion for Bryan.
Diana spent her life putting others first. She is first among the angels for those now left to mourn her loss: Bryan; Brenda and Alan Wallace with children Veronica, husband Justin Blair, and Eric; James and Kelly Ireland with children Jaime and Harvey; Ron and Doreen Fortin with families of Lee and Megan (and children Carter, Kyreon and Brady), Scott (and children Jagger and Jorgia), and Jennifer and Liam Frost); daughters of Brian Fortin, Joelene and Chris McIntosh (and children Dominic, Aiden and Isaak) and Roseanna and Shane Williams (and children Julia, Liam and Caleb); Aunt Martha Hicks, along with many cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneral.com
