Diane (nee Keenan) Colosimo passed away peacefully on August 26, 2017, at the age of 83. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years Armand (“Archie”). Diane also leaves behind her beloved children and grandchildren: daughter Cynthia Robbins (Douglas) of Labrador and granddaughter Isabella; son Christopher (Maxine) of Thunder Bay, and grandchildren Keenan (Madison), Kevin (Carrie), Paul (Kayla); and Randi; son John (Doris) of Thunder Bay; daughter Lisa Mussellam (Spencer) of Toronto; and daughter Patricia Colosimo (James Wilson) of Toronto, and grandsons Sam (Kyra) and Simon.
She is survived by her brother Brian Keenan (Jany, nephews Michael, Patrick, and Tom) of Winnipeg; and by her sister Maureen Whittaker (John) of Australia. Predeceased by her parents Herbert and Florence Keenan, and by her brother Billy (Yvonne, nephews Danny, Paul, Patrick, and niece Linda), of Port Elgin. She was also predeceased by her brother Tommy.
After high school, Diane with her best friend Margaret Rose, went to teacher’s college in North Bay. Diane later returned to Lakehead University to complete her B.A.
Diane and Archie met at the St. Andrew’s Young Peoples club when she returned from teacher’s college. They married in 1956. They built a house on Richard Street to accommodate their growing family of five children, and later built a camp at McKenzie Beach. They continued to enjoy and entertain family and friends at both locations, throughout their lives.
She taught for many years for both the Lakehead Public School Board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Her dedication to children with special needs lead her to become an early specialist in Special Education. She taught at many area schools including Corpus Christi, Oliver Road Central, Black Bay School, and finally Gron Morgan. She was known universally as “Mrs. C.”, and was well-loved for her patience and dedication. No child was too difficult to teach, and no child was ever treated with anything but Diane’s full love, care and attention.
Diane and Archie loved to spend time socializing and playing bridge with their good friends. Diane’s greatest love was the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. There was always a meal and a bed at the Colosimo house or camp; nobody was ever turned away or left hungry.
Diane is survived by friends too numerous to list here, but you all know who you are!
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. Visitation for friends will take place one hour prior to the service time. As was the Colosimo custom throughout Diane’s life, everyone will be welcomed with open arms at the reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) or to a charity of your choice.
