November 6, 1945 – January 8, 2025   

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden, but peaceful, passing of Diane Carolyn Matus. 

Our mother was born November 6, 1945, in Belleville, Ontario. As a young girl, the family moved to B.C. and settled in North Vancouver. She was the first of seven children, born to Arthur and Kathryn (nee Farrell) Andres. During the course of her life, she also resided in Port Moody, Prince George, Squamish, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Salmon Arm, Coquitlam, 100 Mile House and Kamloops. 

She spent the majority of her adult life working for the provincial government, where she was always loved and appreciated by her coworkers. After retirement, she began volunteering at the RIH Thrift Seller, where she thoroughly enjoyed the company of her co-volunteers. 

Our mother was sweet, intelligent, compassionate and caring. Her smile could light an entire room. She was the best mother that anyone could ask for, and her children spent their entire lives fighting over who was her favorite. She enjoyed spending her free time as a Master Gardener and competing at Track and Field. 

Our mom passed away on January 8, 2025, almost to the minute of our father’s passing, six years earlier. We can’t help but wonder if he was missing her too much, and he came down to get her. Grieving her husband, on top of losing two children, really took its toll on our mother. She spent her last few years overcome with sadness, so we take comfort in knowing that they are all reunited. 

Our mother was predeceased by her parents; her husband Gerald; her children Alissa and Sheldon; siblings Patricia, Johnny, Delise and Ray; and mother-in-law Joanne. She is survived by her children Steven, Kathryn and Victoria; siblings Byron (Fran), Beverly (Jim) and Therisa; her siblings-in-law Glenn (Paola), Gail (Phil) and Gina (Harry); sons-in-law Jessie and Paul; father-in-law Ed; cousin Karen; grandchildren Ryan, Alicia, Jayde, Nathan, Austin, Kayleigh, Ashlyn, Jace, Jacob and Connor; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. 

We would like to send our deepest appreciation to our Aunt Therisa Poole for helping us get through this difficult time, as well as The Majorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Home Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Majorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Home Hospice or The Kamloops Track and Field Club. 

We are going to be celebrating her life on May 24, at 1:00 p.m. The celebration will be held at the Hal Rogers Centre, located at 2025 Summit Dr., in Kamloops. Please email Kathryn at Kathryn.matus@gmail.com for more information. 

• Date : 2025-01-08
• Location : Kamloops