September 27th, 1945 – February 21st, 2026
Shirley Diane Harrison (nee Jones) passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026 at the Brentwood Care Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Her children and grandchildren bid her farewell as she departed on her final journey.
Diane was born September 27, 1945 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta to Hugh and Nerine Jones and big sisters May and Christina. Diane moved with her family to the lower mainland in British Columbia then moved to Calgary.
She fell both figuratively and literally for her husband Tom at Lloyd’s Rollercade in 1970. Their whirlwind love began with their engagement 13 days after their fateful meeting and were married the same year on August 1. Tom and Diane welcomed their first child Thomas in 1971 and their second child Heather joined the party in 1978.
Tom and Diane moved to Rockyford, Alberta in February 1978. During her time in Rockyford she was an active volunteer as the assistant librarian with the Marigold Library System and with the Rockyford Lion’s Rodeo. She was also a member of the United Church. She, Tom and Heather moved to Bassano in April 1990. Diane and Tom volunteered with Citizens On Patrol. Diane moved into the Playfair Lodge in 2014 and was joined by Tom in 2021. They were active with the Bassano Damsters until they both moved into long term care in Calgary in May 2022. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary shortly before Tom’s passing in October 2022.
Diane loved to knit, crochet, quilt and embroider. She would “whip up” baby outfits, Christmas decorations, wedding favours, clothes and quilts for her friends and family. She also sold handmade pieces and won several awards throughout her crafting career. She always had a work in progress and would not be compelled to move until she “finished this row.” Her children were notorious for interrupting her while she was counting stitches.
Diane was predeceased by the love of her life, Thomas, parents Hugh and Nerine Jones, nephew Lee Thiessen, sister-in-law Dianne Evers, and son-in-law Wade Gieni. She is survived by her son Thomas Harrison (Kathy) and daughter Heather Gieni. Grandchildren Avril Harrison, Lily Calles (Sam), and Adriana Gieni. She is also survived by her sisters May Marchand (Bert), Christina Sara Thiessen, niece Cheryl Kowalski (Rodney), brother in law D’Arcy Evers and nephew Troy Evers (Dayna) as well as several great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends Beth and Gerald Kirby.
We would like to thank the physicians, nurses and staff at Brentwood Care Centre for their compassion and kindness during Diane’s residency. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Calgary Flames Foundation as Diane was a die hard Flames fan.