It is with deep sadness that the family of Diane Sten announce her passing on Friday, July 12, 2024.
From Diane’s birth on December 7, 1947, in Port Arthur, Ontario, she has sung and danced her way through life. Diane had a zest for life and lived each day to the fullest.
Everything Diane did in life was made better on July 15th, 1972, when she married the love of her life, Leo Sten. They travelled, camped, volunteered and lived every day with smiles and excitement. They travelled extensively to every continent (except Antarctica). All she needed was a glass of wine and an idea and she was calling the travel agent. This love of travel continued with her friends even after Leo’s passing.
She did all of this amongst her 40-year career with the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board. She loved teaching, whether it be with JK’s, grade 3’s or her beloved special needs classes. Diane also enjoyed spending any free time she had volunteering at St. Joseph’s Rehab, the Corpus Christi choir, with the CWL and as a lector at the church. However, her most cherished time as a volunteer was with the Special Olympics. Diane spent over 25 years coaching, mentoring and loving the athletes in nearly all Special Olympic events. Snowshoeing in the winter, rhythmic gymnastics, bowling, track and field, bocce and swimming and the athletes gave her so much joy.
Diane loved taking in Thunder Bay’s local events. She could be found at Magnus Theatre, the TBSO’s Pops and many of the sporting games. Diane was a wonderful friend to so many. She would drop anything to help anyone at any time. She was so easy to talk to and was genuinely interested in what you had to say.
She will be greatly missed by her nephews, Mike (Leslie) Fonso, Mark Fonso, Brad (Karen) Fonso, nieces, Meghan Fonso and Karen Niemi and great niece and nephew, Carly and Jackson Fonso. Brother, David Fonso and sister-in-law Michele Fonso, her very best friend, Linda Valliquette, friends, Mary Garbaz, Sylvia Kayzer, Eleanor Ashe, Bruce Villella and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
Diane was predeceased by her loving husband Leo Sten, parents Louis and Marion Fonso, brother Dennis Fonso, sisters in law Barb Fonso and Irene Niemi and brother-in-law Kaarlo Niemi.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Corpus Christi R.C. Church with Rev. Rey Ronquillo officiating. Interment will take place at St. Andrew’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Special Olympics Thunder Bay are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
