Obituary of DIANE WACHNIAK

DIANE WACHNIAK

March 26, 1944-December 6, 2019

Suddenly on December, 6, 2019 Diane Wachniak (nee Zaharia) passed away peacefully with her family at her side. She leaves to treasure her memory her loving family, husband of 58 years, Peter, son Dan (Michelle), daughter Marilyn Baziuk (Kelly) and her two grandsons, Mark (girlfriend Alex) and Adam, both had a special place in her heart.

Diane is survived by her sister-in-law Kay Swack, Lovey Wachniak, Sophie Wachniak of Winnipeg and brother-in-law Steve (Ollie) Wachniak of Vancouver. After 75 years she left us to be with her parents, Mary and Dan A. Zaharia. Diane was predeceased by her father-in-law John and step-mom Anne, sister-in-law Levia  (Joe Markewitz), brother-in-laws; Nick, Johnny (Anne), Billy (Vera), Paul, Wally and Mike Swack.

She will be missed by family, friends and neighbours, especially childhood friend Dorothy Prochuk, friends; Monica Haavisto, Dodie and Mike Krevesky, Sophie Gordon, Pat Chevrier and special Aunty Anne Watson. Over the years we had many family celebrations and get-togethers.  The Wachniak and Zaharia families were very near and dear to her heart. 

Diane was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Dan and Mary Zaharia.  She attended school in Winnipeg.  She married the love of her life in September, 1961. Diane was a stay-at-home Mom during Marilyn and Danny’s school years. Family was everything to her. She was an excellent cook and baker.  There was always an abundance of delicious food for everyone and more to take home. She was always making our favourites. Diane especially enjoyed spending time with her grandsons. She spent a lot of time with them. She always welcomed them to come over with their friends all summer long to enjoy the pool. Mark and Adam adored their Baba. Diane was very proud of her grandsons.

She had a love for gardening.  Her gardens were a sight to see.  She loved her bees and butterflies too!   Diane was an animal lover.  She always had pet cats her whole life.  She always fed the wild animals that lived around her home; deer, rabbits, birds and squirrels.  Everyone knew her as a very kind and generous person always thinking of everyone else.

Diane worked with her husband at Peter’s Auction sales.  They travelled doing Antique Shows from Victoria to Montreal working in all the major cities. They made many special friends in their travels. Diane had travelled to a few warm destinations but her favourite place was Hawaii.

Celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street.  Rev. Mr. Claude Lambert officiating.

Donations can be made in Diane’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Love you always Diane, Mom and Baba.