Dianne Lucille McCallen
May 18, 2021
I was born July 20, 1961 in Malton, ON and passed peacefully at home with Mark and the kids on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. I was the fourth of seven children to Bernard Douglas McCallen and Georgina Edna Smith. I attended grades 9-11 at Madonna High School in Downsview, ON and graduated grade 13 with honours from Scarlett Heights Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, ON in June 1980.
I worked with the provincial government from June 1980 to April 1982 at what was then called the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and married Darryl Brent Wooldridge on September 19, 1981 in Midland, ON.
In April 1982, we relocated to London, ON, separated in 1987, and then I met and married Mark Andrew High on September 26, 1991. So, London, ON is where I leave behind many cherished memories of Mark and our children: sons Corey Brent Wooldridge McCallen (Samar Abou Dib), Brandon Paul Wooldridge, and our daughter Brittany Laura High.
I also leave behind precious memories of our grandchildren: Jessica Diamond Donkervoort-Wooldridge, Brenton Donkervoort-Wooldridge, Selena Hidaya Eleftheroglou and Sousan Eve Hasan, as well as our great-grandson Grayson James Donkervoort-Davis – a beautiful child and someone, I’ve observed, his grandfather fully and completely adores.
I joined London Life Insurance Company on March 16, 1987 and worked there until Dec 31, 1999. After a short contract role in 2000 at The Forum Corporation in Toronto, ON, I independently contracted my services for several years, and then moved on to Kellogg Canada where I worked from June 2004 to April 2011, and then returned to London Life (now Canada Life) from Oct 2013 to Feb 2017. I had a very rewarding and fulfilling career as both an adult-learning and corporate communications specialist.
On behalf of my family, I express my deep gratitude to our entire healthcare team: Dr. Michelle Lockhart, Dr. Michel Prefontaine, Dr. Stephen Welch, and all the nurses and staff at the London Regional Cancer Program, including my primary care nurses Jennifer and Bonnie, the nursing staff at St. Elizabeth clinic who gave so freely and gently their time and support … so many caregivers who were always willing to maintain a sense of humour and help keep my spirits up in the darkest of days. You have no idea how far your caring and support took me: we were and are so grateful to have had the best team of professionals, bar none, in our corner. Our hearts have also rejoiced over the many acts of kindness extended to our family – your thoughts and prayers, so much support and love, all greatly appreciated.
All said and done, I’ve lived a good life: I had parents who loved me, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins who surrounded and supported me as I grew up, and siblings who brought so much joy into my life. I had a husband who doted on me, and three beautiful people whom I’m so proud to call my children – and I had their families, friends and children to enjoy. I danced, I sang, I lived, I loved, I laughed, I wrote and I worked, and I played hard too. And so, I am thankful, because what more does a person need in their life?
In my memory, I invite you to donate to causes in our local London community that were important to me: the homeless, including food bank, addiction centres and services, and animal care.
A private family memorial service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will also be held at our home for family and friends at a later date. The family wishes to welcome friends to participate in the service via livestream.
To register for the livestream of the service, please click here: >Registration page for the livestream of Dianne McCallen’s private memorial service on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home
May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures
May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
Slainté
Leave a tribute for Dianne Lucille McCallen
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Mark and family, I am very sorry to hear of Dianne's passing. I remember our chats at London Life and Dianne's friendly laughter. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
My condolences for the entire family. I always felt welcomed in her home as a friend of her son Brandon and truly appreciate the spirit and character of Dianne. Such a vibrant and beautiful soul. I'm very grateful I could witness the service today on live stream, and be a part of grieving in my own way. Aaron Lozynsky
Mark and family, I am sorry I did not know Dianne directly but know she was special from all the times you spoke of her in such happy, fun and loving stories. She clearly will have a lasting impact on so many people from reading the wonderful memories shared. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Mark and family so very sorry for your loss. Dianne was a wonderful person who loved life. I can still see you and Dianne at the pub nights dancing the Irish jig. What great memories. The service was so beautiful. A lovely tribute to a remarkable woman. Prayers for you and your Family at this difficult time.
Dear Mark and family, we are very sorry for the loss of Dianne . Her eulogy is so poignant . You are in our thoughts . Deepest condolences .
My most sincere condolences for the passing of Dianne. I had the great opportunity to meet her and spend some time with the family; she was an amazing person and she will be missed. Sending my best wishes and love to the family, sincerely. Israel (padre)
Mark and Family, We extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our Dianne. She was truly an inspiration to us all. Her love of life and boundless energy will be sorely missed. The sun will shine less brightly when the McCallens gather together once again however her memory will live forever in our hearts. Love Eugene, Ginette, Monique, Kendall, Mark, Catherine and families
Mark, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
My condolences to the family. I had the opportunity to work with Dianne at Kelloggs. I learned so much working with her. She shared her knowledge easily, her energy was contagious. She managed to get things done and always with a laughter and a smile. I will remember her always with a smile.
Mark, every time I spoke with Dianne, she greeted me with a smile and would be happy and joyful. She always had nice things to say, especially about you. You both loved each other very much, and that was evident every time I saw you guys together. Dianne was a very special person. Thinking about you. Deepest condolences.
What a beautiful eulogy, from a beautiful person, inside and out. Mark, my heart goes out to you. Deepest condolences to you and the family. You and Dianne made the perfect couple. I'll always have memories of running into Dianne at work, stopping for a chat and a good laugh. And that time she thought I went to the Scorpions concert with you and Vic and she wasn't invited. As if. Always that twinkle in her eyes, razor sharp wit and one smart cookie. Thinking of you, in sympathy.
Mark and family, so saddened to hear about Dianne! My heart breaks for all of you! She was such a loyal, caring friend and co-worker. I will truly miss our many talks and laughs we had together. May all your memories keep her in your hearts forever. My sincere condolences.
Mark and Family On the far too few occasions I found myself In the presence of Dianne she was always full of grace and the generosity of spirit. Our deepest condolences. Perry, Sherry & Jordan.
Mark, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Dianne's eulogy is beautiful. I am sorry for your loss.
Debbie, our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pina, Tony, Alexandra, Michael and Victoria
Dear Mark and family, Please accept my condolences.
Mark and family, I am so sorry and sad to hear about Dianne's passing. I have so many happy memories of having fun with you and Dianne at different London Life events. There was always lots of fun and laughter. She was such a light in so many ways. My deepest sympathies
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Addiction Service of Thames Valley)
(Donated to Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU))
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
Mark, I was so saddened to hear of Dianne's passing. She was a wonderful person to work with. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your memories keep her in your heart forever. 💕💕
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to Causes in our local London community that were important to Dianne.)
(Donated to London & Middlesex Humane Society)
Sincere condolences Mark and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Dianne was an amazing lady and will be truly missed. Hold on to the wonderful memories you shared together.
My condolences to the entire family. I will always remember Dianne's smile and her infectious laugh!
Dear Mark, Brittany, Brandon and Cory. So very sorry for your loss. Dianne brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around her. She had a smile so bright it could dazzle a leprechaun. I can't imagine what you are going through. Just know that your family and large network of friends are with you in spirit, sharing in your grief. Lots of love.
Mark and family my sincere condolences for your loss. Dianne was a very kind and well respected colleague. No words can ease the heartache during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your memories to find strength and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Diana
Mark and family, I was so very sadden to hear about Dianne. My deepest and sincerest condolences. We didn't work together all that long at London Life but she taught me a lot and was always so kind and patient with me. We laughed a lot. Loved her smile. May your memories help you through this time and know that she will always be with you through her love that she had for you and family. 💔😘
Dianne was always so full of life. She brought sunshine into every room she entered. She will be missed by many who grew to love her and smiled at her approach. God bless you all as you negotiate this difficult season. There are no words, just love...
Mark, I was shocked and so saddened to hear about Dianne. My heart is breaking for you and your family. It's been so long since those days at London Life. My first memory that flashed through my mind was of the two of you owning the dance floor at my wedding. The two of you together was like lightening in a bottle, magical, and I hope that you can find comfort in the memories of the beautiful life you made together. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug.
Sending my deepest condolences your way. May your family keep memories of Dianne close to their heart to bring her warmth to them during this time of grief.
Mark and family, So sorry to hear about Dianne. Dianne was such a beautiful and fun loving woman. Bill and I both have many fond memories of our times spent with both of you, at different London Life functions and your famous or should I say infamous NewYears Eve parties. Dianne's eulogy and picture is so representative of how positive a person she was.
I am so sorry for your loss, Mark and family.
Mark, so sorry to hear about Dianne. She was always a lot of fun. I recall many London Life events where we had a lot of good times. I remember playing baseball and volleyball with her. I know she will be greatly missed.my sincerest condolences.
Mark, Dan and I are so sorry for your loss. Honestly, knowing you and Dianne would be on the dance floor was one of the best things to look forward to for a London Life dance. Dianne's joy for life and her enthusiasm and love of fun were so very obvious at those dances. And her smile could light the room. We wish you and your family strength during this difficult time and hope you are sustained for years by happy memories of a life so well lived.
Mark, Corey, Brandon and Brittany... I am so sorry for the loss of your mom and wife Dianne. She was a beautiful soul. She was too young to depart this world, she will always be with you, guiding you and loving you from afar.
Mark, my sincere condolences to you and your family. my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. the great memories will live on !
Our memories of you are of eating & drinking together, but most of all laughing together. You were a wonderful person. Loving & fun.Generous and kind. Clever & warm. A loving mother & great wife & partner in life to Mark and the children. You will never be gone Dianne because you will always be in so many hearts. You will be missed. Dave .Sue & family
Mark...my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I hope the good memories are helping to fill the gap. Dianne's words touched me to the core, what a remarkable person, mother and partner. You are in my thoughts and heart.
Mark, I am so sorry to hear about Dianne. I have so many great memories of the two of you dancing, laughing, playing sports, and just simply living life to the fullest. Dianne's eulogy is such a wonderful story of the joy that you two brought to each other's life and how well she lived her life. Cherish those wonderful memories and know that she will always be with you.
Mark, my heart went into my throat when this email arrived in my in box. You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife. I know how much you adored her. Take care my friend,
Mark, I am so sorry to hear of Dianne's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. It is very apparent thru Dianne's eulogy that you both brought love and live to each other. Take care.
My deepest sympathies to you Mark and to your family on the passing away of Diane. What a lovely eulogy! May you be comforted with very fond memories.
Dear Mark, we are very saddened to hear about Dianne....hugs from both of us. She was so much fun to be around. Please take care and know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.
Dianne had a gentle voice and pleasant manner, which was so enjoyable. With sympathy.
Remembering many second floor, coffee cart, cafeteria laughs with Diane. My heart breaks for all of you. Deepest condolences Mark and to family.
Brittany and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We can tell by reading the tributes that she was a wonderful, loving and special lady.
Mark and family, so sorry for your loss. Dianne was a wonderful women and your love for each other was something special. May your memories carry you forward.
Dianne was a wonderful woman who filled our lives. I know no one who could so consistently draw sad from a room and replace it with happy. Our sincerest condolences to all of you. The world may be a little less bright, but the history of our world is so much richer.
Mark; Beth and I are thinking of you, Corey, Brandon, Brittany and your whole extended family, at this very difficult time. Dianne was special is so many ways and we especially loved her spirit and sense of humour. May you take comfort in your memories. Sincere c0ndolences.
So very sad to learn of Dianne's passing. She was so smart and hard working by day and then such fun after! A rare and lovable combination. Condolences Mark and family.
My sympathies to you and your family, Mark. I don't recall ever meeting Diane, but I do recall you always talking about her love of life. Our days at Soccer with Brittany and all the father sons and daughters are fond memories for me. I really like the Irish blessing - says a lot. Be strong and enjoy as best you can, and may the memories always be good ones.
Deepest sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings and take care!
May the love and memories Dianne shared in her life and in her wonderful good bye, bring a little smile along with the tears to everyone in this time of sorrow. I am very sorry for your pain and loss.
Mark and family, this is such sad news. As others have said here, there are so many great memories of dancing, laughing and carrying on with Dianne (and of course Mark when he wanted to cut in). Dianne was inquisitive, knowledgeable and always a riot. I can only imagine the wonderful memories that you have had. Take joy in those wonderful memories and let them comfort you in this time of sorrow.
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of a remarkable woman. I worked with Dianne for a few years at Kellogg, and thought so highly of her. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences to you, Mark, and to your family. Dianne was a wonderful woman and I know that you loved her so very much. I remember the special adventurous and fun getaways you always planned together. And on the dance floor, the two of you shone! I also loved Dianne's kind and thoughtful touch as a mother creating comfort baskets for her children at Christmas. My heart breaks for you all right now and wish I could be there to offer hugs. I am so very sorry and hope you find comfort remembering beautiful Dianne. â¤ï¸
My sincerest condolences Mark to you and your family. I remember how often you shared with us the love and pride you had for Dianne and your family. May you find solace in the many wonderful years you had together and take comfort in your warm close family and friends who cherish the both of you
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mark and the entire family. Dianne was a wonderful woman, filled with life, laughter and fun. Many a fond memory I will have of dancing and partying with Mark and Dianne. Always able to fill a room with light. May all you memories bring you peace during this difficult time. A life taken too soon, but a life well lived and loved.
Greetings Mark and family, I was so blessed to know and spend time with Dianne. I worked with her at London Life on the Learning Strategy & Solutions team for a few years. We always had great talks and laughs, and she knew her stuff well as it pertains to work. I frequently went to her for advice and she enjoyed being a helpful human to others. She is a caring and kind spirit with a fiery spark that will always be in my heart. My deepest condolences to the family of Dianne, I wish you peace as you enter this next phase and I pray Dianne 's spirit is free. Sincerely, Jolyn
My sincere condolences to you and family Mark. Your wife's live was a blessing and reading her self-written eulogy filled my heart. May you find comfort and peace in the special memories of her at this very difficult time.
Dear Mark and family I've sat here a long time trying to figure out the words to write here. I've come to the conclusion that there are no words that fully express how saddened I am for your loss. One only has to read Dianne's words to see that she lived, loved, and was loved by anyone that knew her. Dianne, till we meet again my friend, give Scott a big hug for me when you see him. Love Jamie
Mark and Family, Our deepest condolences to all of you from the PCL family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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When visiting you from England, we always saw Dianne as a loving, doting wife and best friend to you Mark and an adoring, loving Mum to Cory, Brandon, Brittany and the grandchildren. Dianne, the hard working, well organised, successful person was also the kindest, most caring and considerate hostess who ensured we had the best time. Full of fun with our kids, Laura and Tim and extremely funny and entertaining with Rob and I. Over many years we spent some of our best times with you, both in Canada and the UK. Always times that were full of laughter and smiles. Dianne certainly gave life her all and in doing so, has left so many wonderful memories to cherish. There is no doubt that she has gifted you and the children many magical moments to remember and treasure. Leaving beautiful imprints in your hearts. 'Thanking You Dianne', you incredible, amazing lady. You are so very sadly missed by us all here. You will be loved and remembered always as a beacon of light "slán go fóill" Hugs to all the family xxx Rob, Elaine, Laura, Tim, Chris, Reuben and Max
~ Elaine & Rob Hall