Diane Los, born and raised in Listowel, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at the age of 74.
Diane lived a rich and fulfilling life with her husband, the late Tony Los, who passed away in 2017. For a short time, they lived way up north in Yellowknife, near Diane’s late parents-in-law Sydney and Anne (Veldhoen) Los, but they eventually moved to Kincardine, Ontario, for the beach and warmer temperatures, and partly because Diane yearned to see trees again!
Diane and Tony spent many wonderful years in Kincardine, raising two boys: Paul Los of Stratford, Ontario, and Fraser Los of Canmore, Alberta, who eventually married Laura McLean, and brought Diane two lovely granddaughters: Fiona and Rosalie Los.
Listowel, though, was always Diane’s true home, and she and Tony retired here to be closer to her loving and always fun and vibrant extended family, including three siblings, Bonnie and Ken Metcalfe, Doug and Patti Forman, and Kathryn and Don Clarke; her late parents Neil and Marion (Coghlin) Forman; Aunt Doreen (Coghlin) Whitfield; and her many cousins, nieces and nephews.
There were many constants throughout Diane’s life, mainly because her most defining characteristic was an unshakeable sense of who she was and what she stood for. She was a voracious reader, and when she wasn’t devouring good books, she’d be endlessly moving, tidying and tinkering around the house and garden.
Diane had a quiet confidence and an intense loyalty to those she loved, especially family, and her calm and caring demeanor rubbed off on all those around her. Diane was only interested in what was true and genuine; she was the type of person who would scoff at forced emotions or fake sentimentality, but then cry immediately if she saw an animal suffering or in distress. For her, it was all about empathy and authentic connections; she had no time for anything less than the real deal.
Another huge part of Diane’s life was music. From the Listowel Choir to the psychedelic 60s and beyond, Diane loved to listen, dance and sing, and even embarrass her boys a little by singing full volume along with Janis Joplin or Otis Redding. But just like with everything else, for Diane great music had to come from deep in the heart, it had to be real.
Diane’s sincerity was at the forefront of everything she did and said, and her compassionate nature will live on in the many friends and family who were lucky enough to spend time with her.
Private family arrangements have been entrusted to the Eaton Funeral Home with interment at Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth would be appreciated.
Online condolences can be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
