Obituary of Diane Elizabeth Morrison

Diane Elizabeth (Allwood) Morrison passed peacefully, at home in Fredericton with her immediate family by her side, on Saturday, April 18, 2020, in her 68th year, after a courageous 15-year battle with cancer (sarcoma). She is survived by Gary, her husband of 45 years, her children, Kate, (Tony Goss), Jon (Nadia Mahboob), her granddaughter Zoe Goss, so precious to Dee Dee and Bo, her mother Mary (Winslow) Allwood all of Fredericton, her aunt Elizabeth (Winslow) Silva of Medical Lake, Washington, her sister-in-law Penny Prince (Andy) of Miramichi, her nieces, Janet Prince (Louis Laprise) of Montreal and Andrea Lau (Duncan) of Calgary. She was predeceased by her father William (Bill) Allwood in 2008 (born in Scotland). Di was born in St. John, NB and grew up spending her summers at her family cottage at Maquapit Lake. She had a natural talent for swimming and was a fish in the water. She graduated from Moncton High at the age of 16 and attended UNB in Fredericton graduating with a BBA ('73). After returning from travels in Europe she made the decision not to pursue a Master’s degree in hospital administration in Toronto. It was Fredericton’s and my good fortune that she took a position with the old VPH in town, moving on to play a pivotal role in the opening and development of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. It was there, that her talent and personality shone. It was there, that she became so loved, respected, and appreciated. It was from there, that this quote was penned in a card from a dear colleague and friend: "once in a very long time someone comes along who has a profound impact on your life. You were that person for me and for so many others.". Di retired in 2008 due to her illness. Over the years, Diane served on many Boards with the last two being the Fredericton Playhouse and, one close to her heart, Greater Fredericton Social Innovation (GFSI). Diane spent many summers at our family cottage in Burnt Church, NB where she quickly became greatly respected and loved by the locals she met and by the many cottagers with roots in BC who are spread across the continent. She was a truly gifted and intelligent woman. She was a hobby painter and lover of the arts. She had a knack for gourmet cooking and would host fabulous dinner parties and ….… Boris and the lovely Muffin could cut a rug, big time! We loved to travel (she was the navigator and planner extraordinaire) and we travelled and cruised the world, dancing wherever we could along the way. She was caring, kind, beautiful both inside and out, and so very strong and courageous. A dear friend and mentor for many and for people that knew her, she was on most of their "favourite persons list". And although she was an only child, she had several wonderful friends who were thought of as "sisters". She was a thoughtful and compassionate person that put everyone’s needs above her own. She was not one to complain and always kept a positive mindset. She was loved by many and leaves a huge hole in the lives of her family, friends and the entire community. The family would like to thank her family doctor, Dr. Ann Collins and oncologist, Dr. Margot Burnell (St. John) for their care over the many years, as well as the doctors and nurses of the palliative-care Extra-Mural program, especially Tanya in Fredericton and, of course, those who have assisted over the years at the good ole DECH. Due to these strange times that we find ourselves in, there will not be any service or visitation at this time. A celebration of life will be held in Fredericton at a time and place to be determined later, and as well, for family and friends, in Burnt Church this summer. Diane was passionate about her community, the arts, and for those less fortunate. So, for those that wish, donations may be made in her memory to the charity of your choice, through the Fredericton Community Foundation (www.fredfdn.ca).