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Dianne Knowles
July 3, 1939 - November 1, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">Dianne Knowles (nee Becker) <br>Civil Engineer with DND and National Energy Board (Retired) <br>Dianne passed away November 1, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer and the after effects of cancer. She is survived by her sons Ian (Nicole) and Bruce (Sheryne), and by her sister Sharon Nadeau (William) and brother Bernie Becker (Margaret). She was “Nana” her adoring grandchildren: Sara, Ryan, Kelsey, Tara. She was “Dee-Dee” to April, and great-grandmother to Jadon, Rylan and Evelyn. As Sara wrote, “A nana is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes.” Dianne was also loving “Auntie Di-Di” to many nieces and nephews. <br>Predeceased by her daughter Lori (Michael), husband (Leslie), parents Melvin Becker and Leona Becker (nee Morin) and brother-in-law Richard Cyr. <br>Dianne’s formative years were spent at home on Preston Street and at school at the Rideau Street Convent. She cherished growing up close to many aunts, uncles and cousins. In her teens while living on Dagmar St. (where many terrific meals and laughs were shared in her parents’ home) she attended Eastview High School where she Leslie (her husband to be). Achieving straight A’s, she was chosen to be her graduating class’ valedictorian. <br>Dianne and Les were married in 1961 and ultimately moved to Sullivan Avenue in Nepean and had three children, born between 1962 and 1964. Dianne multi-tasked three babies in diapers while Les worked as a surveyor at Energy, Mines & Resources. When Les was struck gravely, Dianne (now required to become the breadwinner) learned to drive the Volkswagen Beetle and attended classes to become one of her generation’s first female Civil Engineer in Ottawa. Beginning in 1972 at the National Energy Board she drafted precise technical drawings of how pipelines should intersect with road and rail ways. This required the occasional trip to the northern tundra to monitor technically difficult “right of way” crossings. Some years later she joined National Defence’s Core of Engineers and created drawings for many on-base structures. This entire time she continued to care for her children and grandchildren, preparing wonderful authentic Italian spaghetti sauces (no doubt a result of her Preston Street upbringing) and delicious meals for special occasions (no doubt a result of her parent’s expertise in holiday meal preparation). <br>Upon retirement in 1995 she took up residence in Orleans and started a custom silk flower arrangement business (“Festive Floral Arrangements”) and also took to knitting blankets, toques and slippers for family and friends. She loved traveling the world on cruise ships. <br>In her later years she continued to enjoy movies, Neil Diamond, Motown songs and family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. <br>Many thanks to Rebecca and the other care staff in 3C ward at the Queensway Carleton Hospital and to the care staff of the third floor of the Granite Ridge Retirement Residence. <br>A wake will be held on Friday November 11, 2016 from 6pm to 9pm at Kelly Funeral Home in Orleans, 2370 St. Joseph Boulevard‎. A memorial service will be held Saturday November 12 at 10:30am at 6658 Bilberry Dr., Orleans. A reception in the church hall will follow the mass. <br>For those who wish, in lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. www.kellyfh.ca <br></div>