Obituary of Diane May Kotelmach

To watch the recording of the service, click this link:

https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/132721359

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Diane Kotelmach on March 3, 2023, in Saskatoon, SK at age 71.

Growing up on a farm near Lady Lake, Diane attended school in Sturgis before pursuing her passion for nursing at the Regina Grey Nun’s Hospital School of Nursing and graduating in 1973. Diane loved her job as a nurse, working in intensive care at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and later in the recovery room. Her dedication to her patients was unmatched, and her love for her job was evident to everyone who knew her.

Diane found true love and married Andy Kotelmach in 1983. Diane was already the proud mother of two sons and three more sons were added to their family.

Diane was an enthusiastic supporter of her sons, Jayce, Joshua, Matthew, Chris, and Sean and took great joy in their achievements in sports, music, and hobbies. Diane was especially proud of her two grandsons, Ashton and Kingston, whom she adored and spent as much time as she could with them.

Diane was a true people person, and her infectious smile and love for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was an entrepreneur at heart and was known by many as the sweetest person they had ever met.

Diane and Andy loved to travel to warm destinations in the US, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico, where they enjoyed the sand, warmth, history and culture of the places they explored.

At the young age of 58 Diane was diagnosed with early onset Dementia, which marked the beginning of a challenging and frustrating journey for her. This diagnosis led to her early retirement forcing her to give up her beloved career and independence as she could no longer drive. Diane refused to let these challenges define her and took up painting as a way to occupy her time by taking art classes and finishing many paint by number pieces, always doing her best and looking forward to her classes.

In June 2019 Diane made the difficult transition into long-term care which presented her with a host of new challenges. At first, she was uncertain why she had to be there, and eventually lost the ability to speak and walk. Despite these obstacles, Diane remained positive and found ways to keep smiling through it all.

On March 2, 2023, Diane contracted an infection called Ludwig’s Angina, which unfortunately gave her family only 24 hours to say their final goodbyes. Diane passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, Mike and Verna Lazaruk, and her siblings, Duane and Bonnie. She is survived by her husband, Andy; sons, Jayce, Joshua, Matthew, Chris, and Sean; grandsons, Ashton and Kingston; as well as many extended family and friends.

Diane will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and her infectious smile. She touched the hearts of everyone she met and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to your favourite charity

With love and gratitude, we will celebrate the Life of Diane on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home. Everyone is welcome to join the family in celebration of Diane’s life. For those unable to attend the service, the family invites you to watch the recorded service which will be posted on her tribute page and will be available April 17, 2023.