Obituary of Dianne Lauza Casey

It is with great sadness that we, Donna and Teresa, announce the passing of our dear mom, Diane Lauza Casey, which occurred after a brief illness at the University Hospital in London, Ontario, on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the age of 84.  She will be sadly missed and never forgotten by her daughters, Donna Fournier (Mike), Teresa Casey (Mark Burden), and her granddaughter who she was very proud of, Jillian Cockeram  (Chris). Diane is survived by two brothers and two sisters, Raymond (Dawn) of Saint John, NB, Emile (Jean) of Bathurst, NB, Alma Nowlan of Miramichi, NB,  and Bertha Paulin of Val-d’Or, QC. She leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews including Ed Caissie (Cathy) of Bathurst, NB, who she loved like a son. 

Other than her parents, Joseph (1896-1993) and Lauza (nee Larocque) (1900-1998), she was predeceased by seven sisters,  Betty Rzesnoski , Sandra Kusk, Eglantine “Eve” Paulin, Yvette Lavigne, Rita DeBrune, Theresa Jones and Laura Andersen; two brothers, George, Teles, and two half brothers, Alfred and Lionel. 

Diane was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, on November 19th, 1938. She loved her large French-Acadian family.  She would often talk of the many summer vacations at the farm homestead in Middle River, NB, where the family gathered with music, laughter, and “a good mess” of fresh seafood.  As years went by, Diane couldn’t travel much because of various health reasons.  She was always excited to receive seafood care packages from home for her birthday every year. She and her partner in crime sister, Laura, enjoyed their last visit to New Brunswick for Christmas in 2006 where they ate fresh fish and seafood every single day. They talked about that trip for a long time. 

Diane will fondly be remembered by her London family of many nieces and nephews, especially Christina (Vic) Lamanna and Robert (Ineke) Andersen.  The sisters (Laura and Diane) were always so much fun especially at Christmas and their stories made everyone howl with laughter.  Precious memories of their funny antics will not soon be forgotten. Christina is especially going to miss the Friday Tim Hortons visits with Diane, who she considered her second mom. 

Diane lived on Proudfoot Lane for the past 20 years and made wonderful friends. She will be missed by her Monday bingo friends, Karen and Leslie, to name a few. Her caring friend Rick Orr, who was more like a son to her, said it best:  “Like many in your Mom’s building, I am sure gonna miss her.  She took care of everyone when they were sick, needed a place, needed help, a ride, a cigarette, or someone to look after their pet. She was always there.  It really hurts when you lose someone who cares for you like your Mom did.”

Our mom was an animal lover like no other. Her fur babies were her best friends. She was at comfort knowing her cat, Buddy, was in Rick’s care. 

Our mom’s kindness and willingness to help anyone in need will always be remembered.  

Though there will be no formal funeral service, a celebration of life will take place in New Brunswick at a later date. 

Donations in memory of our mom, Diane, may be made to your local animal shelter, local food bank or a charity of your choice. 

Our heartfelt thanks to Carolyn Nixon from Affordable Funeral Options for her kind, caring guidance and professional service.