Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Obituary
Diana McStay, beloved teacher, wife, sister, and Grandmother Supreme, passed away on November 18, 2024, at 81. Her life was a testament to enthusiasm, education, and unconditional love.
Born on June 21, 1943, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Diana discovered a passion for teaching at an early age. She graduated from Teacher’s College at 19, and later in life, with a growing family, Diana went back to school, attending York University and achieving a degree in Women’s Studies and Literature.
For 45 years, Diana dedicated herself to education, high school, elementary, and special needs students at schools across the Greater Toronto Area. She is remembered as an inspirational educator who went far beyond the basics, believing in the potential of every child she taught. Her classrooms were a place of warmth, curiosity, and passion for learning.
Diana was an iconic grandmother. To her grandchildren Simone, Sophia, Henry, Piper and Sawyer, she was not just Granny, but a confidante, tutor, and friend. She delighted in making pancakes, reading books, inventing crazy new games, decorating for holidays and special occasions and even turning home-schooling during lockdown into an immersive adventure.
She treasured her friends, never letting distance or time diminish her connections, and spent hours on the phone sharing the latest news.
She is survived by her husband Edward of 57 years, children Sean, Siobhan, and Sharlanne, grandchildren Simone, Sofia, Henry, Piper, and Sawyer, sister Faye, and mother Rose.
Diana's legacy is one of limitless passion, creativity, and her extraordinary gift for celebrating the triumphs of friends and family.
A celebration of Diana's life will be held in the coming weeks.
Diana leaves behind a legacy of love and learning that will live on in her grandchildren and generations to come.
Memory wall
My fondest childhood memories are spending at the McStays house. Siobhan and I were inseparable and I spent countless weekends with her, Sharlanne, Sean, Diane and Ed.
Your mom was such a kind, loving person, and I know how much she meant to you. Please know that I am here for you, and I’m holding you and your family in my heart during this incredibly difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
Love Vanessa Van Dette
I will always remember Diane for being so calm, cool, collected, chipper and cheerful, and I was always happy to see her and all the other McStays over the years when I came home to Toronto. Diane and Eddie would always host and my boys were happy to get to know Henry and Piper. When we were younger, our family spent a lot of time together with the McStays - good times!
Sharlanne, we will of course carry on the tradition - you are very much your mother's daughter. Eddie, Sean, Siobhan, Sharlanne (and families) - I am sorry for your loss - our loss. xx
I feel privildged to have called her friend.She will be sorely missed but always remembered for her strength and unconditional love .
My deepest sympathy to her family on the loss of this special person.
Diana was the ultimate in caring and kindness. She was always interested in how you and every single one of your family members were doing (and she could list them all). She also spoke so proudly of her own and was just full of delightful energy.
Thinking of you all at this time of sorrow. We will miss her bright spark but be thankful to have known her.
Loss of a mother is loss of a matriarch and so very much more. Diane reached out on Facebook to me and was always so kind after so many years. My mom (Joyce) is forever greatful for Diane and Faye's support over the years (cousin love). The only thing I can say is that I send you all strength and love from here and above and am so incredibly sorry for your loss❤️
Love Ronnie
We worked together at Sunnyview, where she taught me a great deal about teaching. We loved working together but she encouraged me to try other schools and grades. Thanks to Diana, I had a wonderful career teaching and coaching so many children. When she retired, she would show up at my school with cupcakes for my birthday.❤️
Through the years, Diana, Beth and I would meet regularly on the Danforth to shop, eat and chat the afternoon away.
You were an incredible lady Diana, so full of love for everyone.
Thank you for being my friend, I will miss you greatly.
My deepest sympathy to the family. With love, Shelly
In deepest sympathy,
Ginny Walsh
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