Patricia Diane Butler / Van Iderstine

May 5, 2020

January 25, 1944 – May 5, 2020

During the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 5, 2020 Diane passed away at the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, AB from complications due to an extended bout of pneumonia. Diane was born in Winnipeg, MB on January 25, 1944 and passed away at the age of 76. She lived in Calgary and later in Cochrane for the vast majority of her adult life. Diane will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by her three children, Drew (Danna), Tobi and Kelli; her grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kaisha, Marshall, Wyatt and Rylie; her great-grandson, Rowan; and her husband, Melvin J. Butler.

Diane spent the last 7 years of her life with husband Mel Butler. They enjoyed traveling throughout Canada and the United States, attending small town festivals and political functions, and wintering at their home in Arizona.

Most will know that Diane was very proud of her career as an educator. She was with the Calgary Board of Education for over 30 years at various schools and in various capacities including classroom teacher, librarian, resource teacher and administrator. She had a lifelong passion for both teaching and learning that was ever-present. She enjoyed many travel adventures including NZ/AUS, Europe, the Galapagos, US and Canada. She joined clubs, met lots of people and, most importantly, made many friends along the way. These friendships are what she truly valued and was always excited to have lunch, or coffee, and connect with those that were so important to her.

Diane was pre-deceased by her first husband, Brian Van Iderstine. Brian and Diane were married for over 44 years, until his sudden passing in January of 2009. She is also pre-deceased by her father, Howard Chenoweth; her mother, Shirley; and both of her sisters. Elaine and Sylvia.

Due to the current pandemic, a Memorial Service has been postponed to a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the charity of your choice.

Messages of Condolence

To the Van Iderstine family, I was sorry to learn of Diane's passing. I knew Diane mainly in the 1980's when our kids were in high school. and Tobi was in the same grade as our son Jason and they also attended confirmation class at Advent Lutheran Church. Diane was a unique and interesting person, always striving to learn and was always very generous and hospitable. My son Shane and I spent a night or two at their cabin once and so enjoyed their friendship. Diane and I often met for coffee and a visit as we worked on Church committees together. I would like to extend our condolences to all the family. Sincerely, Vicky

- Victoria Lawrence

I was saddened to hear about Diane's passing. I worked with her for only two years at a school in NE Calgary but have since enjoyed several meals with her and a group of mutual friends/colleagues during the past 30+ years.

- Mona Switzer

Tobi, Drew and Kelli, I'm so sorry to hear about you mom's passing. She was a very nice and kind person. Bob

- Bob Barnetson

Dear Mel and family and Diane's children, Drew, Tobi, Kelli and their families, Jacques and I are so saddened and devastated to learn of Diane's passing. How we shall miss her, her loving nature, her zest for life, her warm friendship and her care and compassion. Her passing has left a deep void in our lives. May her memory forever be a blessing, to comfort you in the days ahead. With much love, Jacques and Lila Mydlarski

- Jacques and Lila Mydlarski

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Diane. We worked together in Catherine Nichols Gunn School. She was a kind, loving teacher. A group of us used to meet for lunches after our retirements. It was good to share our activities since our last time together. My condolences to Mel and all of the families. She may have left but all the memories linger on. June Ferguson, Calgary, AB., Canada

- June Ferguson

It was a privilege to have known Diane as a colleague and friend for many years. Several of us would share a coffee/ pot luck, at her home or sometimes at a restaurant, to catch up on events in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and Mel during this difficult time as you share your happy memories of Diane.

- Rosalie Wiebe

We first met Diane when her first husband Brian came to work for us at the Extra Foods Gasbar in Cochrane. She was a delightful, friendly lady whom we enjoyed visiting with when we came across each others paths. We will always enjoy the book of poems that Diane gave us so many years ago. Our most sincere sympathies to Mel and to Diane's children and their families.

- Denis and Betty Goodsell

Sincere sympathy to all of the family. I knew Diane and her family in the early 1980’s when we were involved with establishing Advent Lutheran church. At that time we participated in a course that was called ‘Caring Community’ lead by Pastor Hanson. Our children were of a similar age. I believe that Drew and Glenda were in the same grade. Once again sincere sympathy to all of the family.

- Gail Richards

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