Diane STOTHERS

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Diane Stothers on August 14, 2025, in Fernie, BC.

Diane will be deeply missed by her husband and partner of 43 years, Brian Brownie; her younger sister Suzanne; her daughters Tracy (Paul), Sarah (Tim), and Suzanne; her four grandchildren and great-granddaughter; and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Vibrant and spirited, Diane was beloved in Fernie by a wide circle of dear friends, including those in the dramatic arts, fine arts, creative arts, music, and fitness communities. As an elementary school teacher specializing in music and drama, she will be remembered by many generations of Elk Valley students and colleagues who knew her as Mrs. Williams or Ms. Stothers.

Born in Duncan, BC, Diane moved from Honeymoon Bay to Vancouver with her mother, Elva Jane, and three siblings (David, Roderick, and Suzanne) at age 11. She attended Trafalgar Elementary, Point Grey Junior High, Magee Secondary, and Prince of Wales Secondary schools where her passion for music, singing, dancing, and drama flourished. Diane went on to earn her Bachelor of Education at UBC, where she shared many a sing-along around the piano with a lively group of students who would remain dear friends into her adult years. Her teaching career took her to Rossland, Cassiar, and Campbell River, BC, before she and her young family moved to Fernie in 1972. She taught at every elementary school in Fernie, as well as the one-room school in Grassmere. Diane devotedly led many after-school choirs, and later became the Music and Drama teacher for the Elk Valley school district. After retiring, her love of teaching and travel took her to Beijing, China, where she taught ESL at a local elementary school.

Diane was a member of the Fernie and District Arts Council and loved taking art classes at the Arts Station. She was honoured when her artwork was chosen for the Fernie Banner project. Many will remember her dazzling theatrical and musical performances over the past 50 years. She added her beautiful soprano voice to many community and church choirs, and often accompanied choirs and singers on the piano. An avid runner who loved a good fun-run, she was also an enthusiastic participant and teacher in many fitness classes, even going on to earn her BCRPA and aquafit instructor certifications.

In 1982, Diane met Brian – a handsome, mustachioed ski patroller and swimmer. They bonded over a shared love of community and a mutual commitment to social equality and environmental sustainability. With Brian, she became a recreational powder hound, discovered her love of the view from the Bear’s Hump in Waterton, biked the hills of Fernie, channeled Steffi Graf on the tennis courts, and explored the warm climates of Roatan and Yuma. A true social gadabout, she often traveled to visit family and friends in Vancouver, Montréal, Toronto, California, Vancouver Island, and China. Diane was deeply grateful for her life in Fernie and for the profound bonds she shared with cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, with details to follow.

Diane’s family would like to thank the staff at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook and the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society, the BC Cancer Society, or the Fernie and District Arts Council.