Diana Elaine Shepel

God saw you getting tired,
and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you,
and whispered "Come to me".

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness, that the family of Diana Shepel announce her passing at the age of 76.  Diana had a heart of gold and will always be remembered as a loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, aunt, and godmother.  Her gentle nature touched the hearts of many as she was always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Diana will be forever missed but she will live on in the hearts of many as tender memories soften our grief.      

Diana was born in Vegreville, AB to John and Phyllis Hawirko on March 31, 1945.  She started elementary school in Lac la Biche, AB, and graduated high school in Vernon, BC.  After graduating high school, she moved to Edmonton, AB with sister Elsie. In 1965 Diana met Paul Shepel. She and Paul were married on June 11, 1966 in Edmonton, AB.  Diana and Paul bought their first home in 1967 and started their family.  After their three children were ready to start school, she and Paul moved their young family to a small parcel of farmland in Sturgeon County, AB. 

Diana worked for Sturgeon School Division from 1977 to 1997 as an administrative assistant and student-teacher aide.  After retiring, she and Paul moved back to Edmonton, AB.  Diana enjoyed retirement life by gardening, growing flowers, do it yourself projects, sewing, canning, baking, and preparing for big holiday meals.  In 2007, she and Paul moved to Calgary, AB to be closer to their grandson London.   

Diana is predeceased by her parents John and Phyllis Hawirko; sister Virginia Stelzer; sister-in-law Dianna Hawirko as well as many of her in-laws on the Shepel side of the family. She is survived by her beloved husband Paul (55 years of marriage); children Todd (Ksenia), Carol (Christopher), Leanne; grandson London; sister Elsie (Ernie) Klut, brother David Hawirko; brother-in-law Fred Stelzer, a few of her in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.  

At Diana’s request, no memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers or donations, she has asked that friends and loved ones embrace nature and the changing seasons in her honor. She will be with you and by your side, as you see the first radiant blossom in the spring, the brightest star on a warm summer’s night, the colorful crisp leaves when fall comes around, and the delicate snowflakes that fall on a winter’s day. 

Diana’s family would like to thank the staff at Southwood Hospice in Calgary, AB for the tenderness, sensitivity, comfort, and emotional support they provided to Diana in her last days.