Dianne Kathleen Fulton

Rest in Peace

Dianne passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by love. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Austin, in April 2024 and by her son, Michael, in November 2023.

Dianne and Austin built their Peachland home in 1980, where they lived for more than four decades. With the steady support and care of their daughter Michelle, they were able to remain there as long as possible before eventually moving into care together, sharing a room at Ridgewood Lodge.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Mark (Karen), Michelle (Tony), and Billy, and by her nine cherished grandchildren.

Our family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and kindness shown by the staff at Ridgewood Lodge, whose warmth and dedication brought comfort and dignity to Dianne in her final chapter.

Dianne Kathleen Fulton was born on October 22, 1943, at Toronto General Hospital to Arthur Herbert and Ivy Kathline. She grew up in Dunbarton, Ontario (now Pickering), alongside her brother, Jack Arthur, and sister, Joan Patricia. Her childhood home was small and modest, with two bedrooms, a wood stove for heat, water hand-pumped from a well, and an outhouse in the yard. Like many families of that time, resourcefulness, perseverance, and hard work shaped everyday life.

In her early teenage years, Dianne was diagnosed with a spinal curvature that would become a defining challenge in her youth. Even then, her determination and resilience were evident. School was difficult, and by the age of fourteen, she entered the workforce, becoming one of the youngest staff members at Rumely Allis-Chalmers—a step that opened the door to independence, friendship, and a sense of belonging that would shape the years ahead.

One evening, while attending a dance in West Rouge with friends, she gave her phone number to the band's trumpet player. Hoping to see him again, she returned the following week—only to discover the band was gone. In their place was a disc jockey spinning old records on his own. That DJ was Austin Fulton. What began as a missed connection became the beginning of a lifelong love story.

Dianne and Austin were married in 1962 and went on to share a life filled with love, companionship, laughter, and many adventures. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2022 and remained deeply devoted to one another until Austin’s passing in April 2024.

From humble beginnings grew a life rich with purpose, generosity, and deep care for others. Motherhood became one of the great callings of Dianne’s life. Between 1965 and 1980, she and Austin welcomed four children and eventually drove across the country to British Columbia to build the home where their family would grow. Inspired by her own mother’s example, they began fostering children when their family was young. Over the years, more than 50 children passed through their home in Ontario and British Columbia, welcomed with warmth, care, and a sense of belonging.

In her forties, Dianne returned to school and became a Community Health Care Aide, a role she cherished for more than twenty years. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she approached the work with compassion, patience, and quiet dedication.

Dianne found joy in creativity and in the simple pleasures of home. She loved crafts, crocheting, baking, canning and preserving food from the garden, and tending her flowers. Her front garden in Peachland became something of a local treasure, overflowing with vibrant dahlias, brown-eyed Susans, and irises. Her dedication earned her multiple garden awards, and her contributions to the community were recognized when she was named Peachland Citizen of the Year.

She especially loved sharing these traditions with her grandchildren, inviting them into the kitchen to help peel peaches and make pies. These small, everyday moments became cherished memories that will live on in their hearts.

Dianne believed deeply in giving back. Her love of animals inspired her volunteer work with Parrot Island, and she also served on several community councils, always looking for ways to support the community she loved.

Those who knew Dianne knew she spoke her mind and could be wonderfully stubborn. But she also listened carefully, reflected thoughtfully, and remained open to new perspectives.

Throughout her life, Dianne met physical challenges with the same determination that defined her character. As an adult she underwent three back surgeries and, in her seventies, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While these changes required patience and perseverance, they never diminished her spirit. She approached each new chapter with resilience, continuing to find joy in family, community, and the everyday routines that brought her comfort.

Later in life, as both Dianne’s and Austin’s care needs increased, they moved into a care home together. Though the transition was not one she initially imagined for herself, she soon found comfort in the community around her. They were fortunate to share a room, something that meant a great deal to them both.

Dianne quickly became an active and beloved part of the residence community. She joined many of the activities, with bingo becoming her favourite. She kept a special drawer ready for visitors, proudly filled with the small treasures she had won. For 18 months, she served as President of the Residents’ Council, advocating for fellow residents while building friendships and helping create a warm community spirit. She participated in crafts, gardening projects, and social gatherings and seemed to know everyone’s story. She never missed an opportunity to express gratitude to the care staff she so deeply appreciated.

Always thoughtful, Dianne collected affirmation cards to give to friends and staff, and her son wrote a new inspirational quote each week on the whiteboard in her room.

During quieter moments, she loved rewatching episodes of All Creatures Great and Small, a show she adored so much that she could nearly recite the scripts from memory.

A natural rule follower, Dianne approached life with discipline and determination. She completed her daily exercises diligently and took pride in caring for her health. Her heart remained strong right until the very end.

She also took pride in the small details that reflected her sense of self—her long, carefully kept fingernails and her beautiful handwriting, which many admired.

She was also a devoted grandmother to her nine grandchildren, who will forever remember her warmth, her storytelling, and the special moments spent rocking in her chair or bouncing them on her knee. Many will fondly recall her signature story about Bonnie McSmithers and the gentle song she would sing:

“This is the way the ladies ride,
Going into town…”

Dianne will be remembered for her strength, honesty, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she nurtured—as a wife, mother, foster mother, caregiver, grandmother, neighbour, and friend.

She lived a full and generous life, and the love she gave continues to ripple outward through all who were fortunate enough to know her.