Obituary of Dianne Samways

Dianne Elizabeth Hannah Samways (nee Cook), a resident of Chatham, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on March 18^th, 2021 at the age of 85. 

Born in Toronto, Dianne was the daughter of Raymond and Phyllis Cook (nee Arland)

Beloved wife of Herbert “Sandy” Samways.

Daughter-in-law of Margaret and Herbert Samways.

Dear mother of Dana McGrail (the late Bill) of Cookstown, Robin Samways (Dorinda) of Maynooth, and the late Chris Samways (2020).

Grandmother of Klarisa McGrail (James) of Halifax. 

Dianne will be dearly missed by her sister Marilynn Cook, sister-in-law Sally McGregor (the late Bill), as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dianne embraced life to the fullest. In youth, she was a prolific figure skater and candidate for the Ice Capades. She worked at Bigwin Inn, enjoyed trips to New York and Florida and became a photographers’ model. 

Mom met Dad at a fraternity party. Love bloomed and she supported his journey into Civil Engineering.  By the time they had wed, Mom had been an administrator for the Toronto Stock Exchange, later working for the North York Board of Education.  Ten years later, they moved from Toronto to Chatham to complete their family. 

Mom was Dad's loving lifelong companion for sixty-eight years.  We were lucky to have a kind, generous and nurturing mother: the many paper routes with Robin, hockey games with Chris, the visual arts with Dana, and a doting grandma to Klarisa. 

Mom's interests included bridge club, computers, antiques, bingo, and trips to Erieau and Honey Harbour. In her later years, facing vision loss, she became passionate about gardening.

Our "lover of life" is in heaven now and in our hearts forever!

Many thanks to all staff at CKHA and Bayshore for their care of Mom.

Cremation has taken place.  A gathering in memory of Dianne will be held at a future date.

Donations to CNIB or the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham (519-351-2040)