Diane Giffin

Published 11:40 am Friday, December 29, 2023

Diane Giffin, born on July 11, 1944, in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, peacefully passed away on December 9, 2023, at Harmony Memory Care Community in Roanoke, VA, after a courageous battle with Lewy Bodies disease.

Diane was the beloved daughter of Jack and Alice Taylor and is survived by her two children, Rick and wife Reghan Taylor, along with their children Brea and Barrett. She is also survived by her daughter Jessica Miller and her children Makenna and Easton. Diane leaves behind her two sisters, Betty Wilson and Judy Stockburger, both residing in Canada.

On August 15, 1992, Diane married Carl E. Giffin, and for 29 years, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Their union was a testament to finding joy later in life and making the most of every moment.

In addition to her immediate family, Diane was blessed with the love and companionship of 8 stepchildren: Trey Giffin, Mike Giffin, Martha Pearson, Leah Taylor, Tina Giffin-Sweeney, Linda Mclean, and the late Bob and Bill Giffin.

Diane received her education at the University of British Columbia, graduating in 1966, and dedicated her entire professional life to teaching. She began her career excelling at teaching children with special needs before teaching almost every grade from Kindergarten to 12^th before retiring from Willow Dale Elementary in PA in 1999. Following her retirement, she embarked on an exciting move to North Carolina, where she spent the majority of her retirement years. Active in the community, she created social groups to connect people, one of the most notable being the “Walkie Talkies” walking group at Cypress Landing and enjoyed playing golf, bridge, and supper clubs.

An avid traveler and lifelong learner, Diane, alongside her friend Sylvia Fermier, authored the book “Where to Go with a Carload of Kids on Less than a Tank of Gas,” sharing their adventures and insights for those who yearned to explore but faced financial constraints.

Diane’s commitment to making a difference extended to her involvement with local charities, including Safe Homes for Battered Women, Ronald McDonald House, homeless shelters, and the Brown Library in Washington, NC.

Diane’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched, the knowledge she shared, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Memorial contributions in Diane’s memory can be made to the following organizations:

Lewy Body Dementia Fund of the American Brain Foundation: give.americanbrainfoundation.org

Ronald McDonald House: rmhc.org/donate

The Brown Library in Washington, NC: www.nccommunityfoundation.org. (specify the Brown Library Endowment Fund)

A graveside service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery: 2025 Mount Carmel Church Ln. Canton, GA 30114 on March 22, 2024 at 1:30pm. All are welcome, a Gathering for all will be held after, location TBD.