JOAN DIANNE HEROD (JEROME)

It is with utter sadness and grief that we announce the unexpected passing of Dianne Herod on Aug. 27, 2001 at the age of 56 years.
She was born May 7, 1945 in Hamilton, Ont. as the only child to Stan and Aletha Jerome.
For many years, she worked as a Bell telephone operator and it was during this time that she found her soulmate, Wayne Herod. They united in marriage May 15, 1964 and together they raised four children.
Together, they settled in Oneida Township, where Dianne kept busy as a 4-H leader, homemaker, and all-around country gal involved in all aspects of farm life.
Then they moved their family to Pinewood, Ont. in the early ’80s, where the continued to farm with sheep, goats, and cattle.
She held many different jobs during the years: supply teacher, teacher’s aid, and bookkeeper. Dianne also opened her home for foster children and exchange students at different times.
She was a special person who always put others before herself. She was a very compassionate, generous, and loving person who always had a smile on her face.
If you needed a roof over your head, a shoulder to lean on, or just wanted to drop in for a cup of coffee, her door was always open.
Dianne loved baking and numerous crafts, and had a vast knowledge of animals, gardening, and herbs. She was always willing to try something new.
She shared a special bond with her dear friend, Rose Lalli; and considered her friends, John and Bill, to be part of the family.
Her childhood schoolmates (Vesta, Grace, and Lorraine) meant so much to her as did her many other friends. She will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.
Dianne was predeceased by her mother, Aletha Jerome in December, 1999; and by her beloved husband, Wayne, in May, 2001.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her father, Stanley (Evelyn) Jerome of Caledonia, Ont.; and her four children, Phil (Sandra) Herod and daughter, Richaelen, of Dunnville, Ont., Cindy (Tim) Lipinski and sons, Aaron and Andrew, Vikki (Dwayne) Robar and children, Nathan and Stephanie, all of Fort Frances, Ont., and John Paul (Gina) Herod and daughters, Teresa and Rebecca, of Hamilton, Ont.
She also is survived by two great-grandchildren, Christian and baby Matthew Hinds; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services were held Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001 at 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Rainy River, Ont., with Pastors Mark Mast and Gordon Armstrong officiating.
A second memorial service will be held at a later date at Grace United Church in Caledonia, Ont., followed by interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Smithville, Ont.
The honourary pallbearers are those many, many people who had a chance to know her and whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Hospital Fund, 260 Front St., Emo, Ont., or to Epilepsy (Ontario) Rainy River District, Box 586, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.