On May 14th, 2024, former Gloucester-Southgate Ward Councillor, Diane Deans, passed away peacefully in her home after a five year battle with Ovarian Cancer. The news of Diane’s passing was a devastating blow for me, for the residents of Gloucester-Southgate Ward, and for the city.
Diane was an amazing Councillor, mentor, friend, partner and mother. She was a FIGHTER, both in her battle with cancer, but also for the people of Ottawa. She cared deeply about this city and the community that she represented.
Diane was never on Council to take up a seat, but to make a difference. She fought hard every day to ensure good governance, good financial stewardship, and was never afraid to ask tough questions. She broke down barriers, stood her ground, used her voice and paved the path for many women, including myself, to have the strength to do the same.
I was fortunate and will be forever grateful to have had Diane’s mentorship for more than a decade. I can say first hand that Diane’s leadership was fierce, her advice sage, her courage immeasurable, and her strength unparalleled. I know many of you who have worked with her over the years feel the same. She loved this community.
To honour Diane’s contributions to our community, Council unanimously approved to rename the Greenboro Community Centre the ‘Diane Deans Greenboro Community Centre’.
This tribute means a lot to Diane, her family and to our community that she proudly represented. Details about the renaming ceremony will be forthcoming.
