It is with profound sadness that we share that on Friday September 4th, 2026, Dianne Barton passed away, surrounded by her family. She was 83 years old.
Margaret Dianne Barton was born in Kingston and raised in North York (Toronto). She moved to the Uxbridge area 1981.
A lifelong teacher, Dianne received her Ontario Teacher’s Certificate from Lakeshore Teachers’ College, Toronto (1962). She began her teaching career in 1963 in a one-room schoolhouse near St. Mary’s, ON. She took a leave of absence when her daughter was born but returned to teaching in Durham region in 1983. She spent the last 12 years of her career at Claremont Public School where she loved her Grade 1 classes – and they loved her (she would get a great chuckle from her students inadvertently calling her “mom”). She was a gifted teacher and especially loved to incorporate music in all aspects of her classwork. She always put her student’s interests first. She retired from teaching in 1999.
Di married Doug in 1990 and they shared 36 wonderful years together. They enjoyed travelling the world with trips to Myrtle Beach, the UK, and Europe – and their favourite destination, New Zealand which they visited 4 times.
In retirement Di spent many hours in her craft room (her “happy place” and the envy of many), where she created hundreds of intricate special occasion cards thoughtfully tailored for family and friends, and delightful holiday favours eagerly anticipated by her family. She was a talented embroiderer and quilt maker, and each grandchild has their own beautiful Christmas quilt and stocking as a lasting memory.
She and Doug shared a passion for gardening. Together the gardens they curated were always a delight and the venue for many a family gathering (and throw-down croquet match!). They were also known to enjoy a round on the golf course together.
Di was an avid Blue Jays fan, a love she inherited from her mother – both were lifelong fans from the team’s very beginning – and a love she shared with her family. She especially loved going to Canada Day games to see the giant flag unfurled, a good rendition of Oh Canada, and of course a good hot dog.
Dianne will be remembered fondly – her love and generous heart will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Dianne is survived by her husband Doug Barton; children Wendy (Marcus), Kevin (Jamie-Lyn), Sarah, Ian (Meghan), Geoff (Kim); grandchildren: Alexander, Gavin, Madison, Naomi, Avery, Parker, Jaxson, Clayton, Blake, Ethan; siblings Joanne and Butch. She was predeceased by her parents Audrey and Alex Currie.
The family will celebrate Dianne’s life privately at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in Dianne’s memory, please consider The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, or the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation.
Her family would like to thank the wonderful staffs of both Uxbridge Hospital and Markham Stouffville Hospital for their care and compassion during this difficult time.
