DIANNE IRENE DIRK, wife of Jerome (Jerry) Michael Dirk, passed away suddenly yet peacefully on August 21, 2011 at the Chinook Regional Hospital from leukemia. She was 73 years old. She leaves behind her husband of 46 years, three children, eight grandchildren and a host of friends and extended family. Dianne was preceded in death by her parents.

Dianne was born in Brandon, Manitoba on August 31, 1937; the second child to Mildred and Lorne Story. She was raised in the rural community of Oak Lake, Manitoba with her older sister Lorna and younger brother Michael. As a young woman, she moved to Calgary, Alberta where she met and married Jerry Dirk in 1965. After a term abroad, they moved to Lethbridge in 1975 to raise their growing family of three children: Michele (Carson Harding), Colleen (Andrew Marples) and Brian (Joyce) Dirk. Her three children blessed her with eight grandchildren presently ranging in age from 9 months to 15 years. Dianne leaves a legacy of devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren.

Being a homemaker was what Dianne loved to do. There was never a night when something delicious was not waiting for her family for dinner. Many trades were negotiated at school when her famous brownies found their way into her children's lunches and the grandchildren always knew they would find plenty of yummy homemade baking at grandma's house. Likewise, a surprise trip to Dairy Queen always brought a smile to the lucky child. Between creating a loving home and attending her childrens' band recitals and basketball games, Dianne also had an active social life. She enjoyed curling, square dancing, camping in her fifth wheel trailer and playing bridge. She was a devout Roman Catholic and gave her time and energy to a variety of church functions including the Catholic Women's League. Fond memories of Dianne exist in everyone who knew her.

The family would like to express their thanks to the ICU staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their gentle and compassionate care.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, August 26, 2011 at ST. MARTHA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd West, Lethbridge, with Father Fernando Genogaling, celebrant.

Interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta.