December 12, 1945 – January 18, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Diana Mellea (née Blais). Diana passed away in the comfort of her daughter Christine’s arms at Mapleview Extendicare at the age of 77.
She was the loving wife of the late Aldo for 56 years (who preceded her in death by six months and one day); proud mother of Christine Lewis (Chris) and Laura Mellea; daughter of the late Clifford and Evelyn Blais; a sister of Clifford Blais, Jr. (Carol); Yvonne Blais; and Heather Blais; cherished grandmother of Dr. Brooke Lewis (Mark Vanden Avond), Mercedes Disano and Levi Disano; best friend of the late Marilyn Blais; best friend of Celine Lebel; dear friend of Carmen and Rose Perna (Diana’s favorite walking parter), Richard and Joan Harnac; and aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Diana was born in Thessalon, Ontario in 1945. She married her “sweetheart” and the love of her life, Aldo, in 1966. Together, they had two daughters. Diana owned Taylor’s Wool and Baby Shop on Queen Street during the 1970s-1980s. After closing her store in the late 1980s, she decided to join the team at Zellers, where she made many lifelong friends. She retired “at last” in 2010, giving her more time to focus on her lifelong passion of sewing and quilting. Diana also loved to garden with Aldo. They were well known for their beautiful flowers and meticulously landscaped yard, with many wedding photos being taken in their backyard and many City Beautification Awards won. Perhaps most of all, Diana loved to sew. Most days, you could find her seated at her sewing and embroidery machines, creating and designing beautiful clothing and quilts. She spent many hours with dear friends at Life’s a Stitch and the Quilt Guild. She won several awards for her beautiful work, and her Infinity Quilt, made for her daughter Christine, was even featured in a quilting book. We will be forever grateful to her dear friend Celine for helping her to complete her final quilts so that they could be gifted to her family.
Diana was a kind soul. She would always lend you an ear and gave the best hugs. She was also a lover of the finer things in life and was always dressed fashionably. Her hair was always curled in rollers, and she was rarely seen without her lipstick, gold earrings, and diamond rings (unless she misplaced them). She always said, “Life’s too short. Start with dessert,” and lived by this. On lunch dates, she would prefer to order chocolate explosion cake, which she found to be “divine.” She effortlessly made ten (or more) course meals at Christmastime, and one of her favorite things to do was make homemade foods for her Brooke. She was the best shopping partner (she would encourage you to buy anything that you liked), and she would surprise you with special things that reminded her of you when she was on solo shopping trips. She also loved to clean and could give Cinderella a run for her money. Diana had an affinity for being great at everything she did, but perhaps her greatest accomplishment was being the best Nana ever to her granddaughter Brooke.
As per Diana’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you treat yourself or a loved one to something special, just as Diana would have done. Donations can also be made to an Alzheimer’s charity in Diana’s honour. Special thanks to the staff at Extendicare Mapleview on the Lake Superior Wing for all their compassionate care towards Diana and her family. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.