Taina Maria “Diane” van Schie (née Syrjanen), age 78, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following a brief stay in hospice at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Thunder Bay ‒ the same building where she was born on April 28, 1947.
The third of eleven children, Diane grew up in Devon Township and later in Nolalu before moving to Kakabeka Falls for work. It was there she met the love of her life, Nicholas van Schie. They married on November 16, 1963, and shared nearly 54 wonderful years together until Nick’s passing.
Diane will be deeply missed by her children: Susie, Joe (Tammy), Joan (Ken), and Nick; her grandchildren: Darian (Walker), Joshua, Joey (Thérèse), and Matthew; her great-grandson Tyler; and her soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter Inara. She is also survived by her sisters Anja (Bob), Shirley, and Debbie; her brother Wayne (Caroline); brothers-in-law Gordon Strickland and Hank (Carol) van Schie; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends ‒ special mention to nephews Pete (Diane), Gerry (Camille), and Jerry (Sharon), who held a unique place in her heart.
Oma’s grandchildren adored her. Their fondest memories were of spending time with her out at Trout Lake ‒ from picking flowers to eating her famous chocolate chip cookies. There was so much love.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nick; her sisters Kerttu “Gertie” Strom, Elsa Strickland, and Helmi (in infancy); brothers Martti, Raymond, and Jaakko “Jackie”; her parents Meimi (née Harju) and Onni Syrjanen; and many in-laws in both Canada and the Netherlands.
Over the years, Diane worked at the Airlane Hotel, where she formed lasting friendships with both coworkers and guests. Her happiest days were spent at the family camp on Trout Lake, where she loved hosting gatherings filled with laughter, good food, and memories that will last forever. She delighted in preparing feasts for family and friends and carried on the treasured Finnish tradition of baking her special homemade bread ‒ a gift of love that everyone cherished.
She was also a devoted NASCAR fan, rarely missing a race and cheering for her favourite drivers with unmistakable enthusiasm.
Strong, brave, and selfless, Diane worried more about her family than herself, right to the very end. Her life embodied the Finnish spirit of Sisu ‒ strength, perseverance, and resilience. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion that will never fade.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Abugharib, Dr. Aseyev, Dr. Kisselgoff, Dr. Simpson, and Dr. Ward; ParaMed for in-home care; the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre ER and 3B staff; Amanda and her team; and the compassionate caregivers at St. Joseph’s Hospice. To all the nurses ‒ your care made her final days ones of grace and dignity. You are angels on earth.
As per Diane’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private interment will follow at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
“And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say, “Welcome Home”
Forever loved and remembered by your children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to be
part of your life. Your love and spirit will guide us always.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
