When Dian was 10, her mother died, leaving Dian with responsibilities that shaped her servant heart. Her father married Clara Kope in 1953. Dian commuted to Waldheim high school, where she met Alfred. Dian experienced a crisis of faith as a young adult, but at a 1980 revival meeting rededicated her life. Dian was gifted with seniors, working with homecare in 1980, and as housekeeper at Rosthern (Sask.) Mennonite Nursing Home in 1982, before becoming the home’s activity director for 20 years. She retired early to walk with Al through cancer, but continued visiting seniors and driving them to appointments, eventually taking charge of programming at Waldheim Pioneer Lodge. A natural mentor, Dian volunteered with young mothers, made bandages for overseas missions, worked in Bible camp kitchens, taught Sunday school, and played piano for the Golden Age Choir. Dian took joy in tea parties and sleepovers with her grandchildren. Diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2012, she never complained, but was a comfort to others.
