It is with great sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Diane Carrol Brinton, age 79, on December 31, 2023. Diane was born December 30, 1944 in Bear River, NS, to Maurice and Vera Darres. She worked as an office clerk at the Metropolitan, was a receptionist for Dr. Douglas Black, then alongside Raymond for over 40 years to build their business.

Diane lived life to the fullest and improved the lives of those around her, she was the model of caring and generosity. She enjoyed many years of travel with Raymond and had a natural ability to connect with others. She had a deep faith in God and loved her church family. She was active in Sunday School, youth groups, sang in the choir and in a trio and would give her time to anything she saw needed to be done. For many years she cooked in the kitchen during Cherry Carnival, was an active member of the Society of Friends in Smiths Cove and Pioneer girls. She loved working behind the scenes and rarely took credit for her efforts. Her talents seemed limitless; she was an exceptional cook, loved and cared for all animals (especially her many feral cats) and was even quick to pick up a hammer or any tool to work on home renos. She truly lived a big life for such a little person.

Diane will be forever remembered for her quick wit and ability to talk to anyone. She would walk into the grocery store and emerge 2 hours later after running into a friend or even a stranger. She entertained many customers and friends from behind her desk at work and people would pop in just to chat and enjoy her company. The Long Goodboy, throughout Diane’s journey with dementia she never lost her sweet personality or sense of humor. Tideview staff treated her as family and she would stroll the corridors to visit them and the animals, especially the guinea pigs. She loved her ‘babies’ and would carry them along with her. She would place her hand in Raymond’s and they would sit for a while. Diane and Raymond’s life was the greatest love story.

Diane is survived by her best friend and husband of 58 years, Raymond, children Bruce (Heather) and Trevor, grandchildren, Brandon (Kristen), Grace (Peter), and Olivia, great grandson Owen, brother Wendall (Ruth) Darres, sisters Jean (Eddie) Peck and Wanda (Brian) Wheelhouse and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. John Black and the staff at Tideview Terrace for their great kindness and care shown to Diane. A funeral service was held Saturday, January 6 at 2:00 pm from the Bear River Advent Christian Church, 1421 Lansdowne Rd., Bear River. Pastor Ken Perkins officiated. Donations in Diane’s memory can be made to Recreation Department at Tideview Terrace.