Diana June McStay

June  21st, 1943 November  19th, 2024
East York, Ontari
Diana June McStay

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

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


November 29, 2024
Very sorry to hear of your great loss. We have known the family since our youngest daughter Catherine made a life long friend with Sharlanne during their public school days. Our thoughts and prayers are with all your family. Regards, Charley and Margaret Bull
Charles & Margaret Bull
November 25, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family.

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
Vanessa Van Dette
November 25, 2024
Diane was my mother's close friend, the maid of honour at her wedding, and my Godmother for 57 years. In every one of those years, she always remembered my birthdays with cards and notes. And, in the last 25 years since I have been living abroad, she always wrote me long form letters twice per year with updates on all the family members and close friends we mutually knew. In recent years, these letters seemed to get longer and longer, as the grandchildren's lives got more interesting!

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
Kelly Carroll
November 24, 2024
Today I remember my mom Kai as it was her birthday.....Diana would always ask about my family throughout our friendship....she cated about all aspects of her friends lives .Diana made everyone feel special like no one else could. She was a posituve thinker and brought only good thoughts to cherish.
I feel privildged to have called her friend.She will be sorely missed but always remembered for her strength and unconditional love .
Kathleen Parker
November 24, 2024
Diana always welcomed friends with her wonderful smile. Her sense of humour and positive attitude were infectious. She made the best dining companion regaling friends with stories of her days in the choir at Riverdale Collegiate.
My deepest sympathy to her family on the loss of this special person.
Jean Hodder
November 23, 2024
Diane has made me feel like a welcome member of her family for 37 years. She was an extraordinary person who will be greatly missed. Her love, enthusiasm and joy will live on through all of us who were lucky enough to know her. My deepest love and sympathy go out to all the McStays.
Kim Pilger
November 23, 2024
What a beautiful life.
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.
Anna Semple
November 23, 2024
Diane and Faye were so much apart of my life as a child. Sean and Siobhan were close in age to myself and brother Francis (Frankie) named after Uncle Frank ( Auntie Rose's brother). So many memories at my grandma's house (Auntie Anne). I believe the last time we were all together was her funeral.
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
Veronica (Ronnie) Daley
November 23, 2024
I was so lucky to call Diana a friend and mentor.
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.
Valerie McPherson
November 23, 2024
Diana loved to the fullest and she will be dearly missed. She was my babysitter when I was five years old. That was 62 years ago. We had many, many babysitters but none compared to her. She was loving, joyful and bunches of fun. She has been in my heart since those special times. My deepest condolences.
Cynthia Merkley
November 23, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Diana. She helped guide my path with understanding the needs of the children at Sunny View. Rest well Diana and until we meet again. Tom
Tom Peoples
November 22, 2024
I had the pleasure of working as part of Diana’s classroom team for many years at Sunny View School where she was one of the best teachers I had the pleasure of working with. Diana emitted an aura of kindness, caring, enthusiasm, and compassion for every student and person who had the fortune of knowing her. My thoughts go out to her family which she loved so deeply. RIP Diana.
Sandy Creighton
November 22, 2024
I worked with Diana at Sunnyview for many years. She was an amazing teacher full of creativity and warmth!
My deepest sympathy to the family. With love, Shelly
Shelly Adrs
November 21, 2024
I am so grateful to have worked wth Diana at Sunny View School. She loved her work and really cared for the students. Her joy and compassion were infectious.

In deepest sympathy,

Ginny Walsh
Ginny Walsh

Family tree

Other family members
Crystal Deisting
Niece
Everley Kremp
Grandniece
Willow Kremp
Grandniece
Rose
Edward
Faye
Sean
Sawyer
Siobhan
Simone
Sophia
Sharlanne
Henry
Piper
Faye
Edward
Sean
Sawyer
Siobhan
Simone
Sophia
Sharlanne
Henry
Piper
Diana McStay

Service


Details for Diana's memorial service will be posted in this space in the coming days.

Donate

In honour of our beloved Diana, we invite you to contribute to the cause of special needs students through Bloorview School Authority. Your generous donation serves as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating Diana's spirit. Together, let us continue Diana's legacy of compassion and kindness.

To donate to Bloorview School, visit https://bloorviewschool.ca/donations
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