She was a loving mother to Bill Campbell of Arkansas and Jane Campbell of Victoria, BC, and stepmother to dearly missed Edward Mothersill. She was a devoted grandmother to Bill Campbell of Thunder Bay, and Michael Campbell of Thunder Bay, Simon Hackett of New Zealand, Nigel Hackett of Victoria. She was also a great-grandmother to Erin Campbell of Thunder Bay. Her two nieces, Lynne and Sarah, and nephew David still reside in the Toronto area with their families.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Diane’s life journey took her across Canada, with homes in Toronto, Kingston, Thunder Bay, and finally Victoria, BC (with a brief and memorable stint in Connecticut, Massachusetts). She graduated from Queen’s University in 1958 with a degree in biology, a foundation that served her well throughout her life. Diane worked for several years in the biology department at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, where she met and married John Mothersill. John predeceased her in 2025.
Together, Diane and John moved to Victoria and embraced a life rich in travel and discovery. Whether traveling for work—John as a geology professor and Diane as his research assistant—or for pure enjoyment, they explored the world extensively and with great enthusiasm, continuing their adventures until age gently suggested a slower pace.
Diane was deeply committed to environmental stewardship. She volunteered with the Broadmead Area Residents Association, the Rithets’ Bog Conservation Society—where she worked to protect the wetland from invasive species and helped develop the park—and contributed to the Big Tree Project in Victoria. An avid athlete, Diane enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing and she was also a competitive rower at the Victoria City Rowing Club, rowing well into her 80s.
Wise, practical, and quietly influential, Diane’s strength and character were often fully appreciated only in hindsight—though anyone who knew her could clearly see her spirit reflected in her children, Bill and Jane.
Diane lived life well. She knew it, and she made sure those around her knew it too. She will be deeply missed.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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