Mary Dianne Catherine Forhan
elevated IbDlx January 27, 1947 – September 18, 2023
This is a loving tribute to our Mom, Grandmother & Great Grandmother (GG), who passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the age of 76.
Mary Dianne Catherine Forhan (Gibbons), called Dianne, was born on January 27, 1947 to Gloria and Frank Forhan. Her Father had a local ice delivery business, later retiring from Eatons after a long career. Her Mom had a long career as a dictaphone operator at National Trust in downtown Toronto. Dianne had one brother, Dennis, and in her childhood she enjoyed driving to roadside picnics with her family, going on summer trips to Waubashene, dancing and spending time with her many cousins. She was born and raised Catholic and continued practicing her faith throughout her life. Dianne is survived by 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Above all, she dreamed of having a large family and being a Mom.
In the 1960s, she married her high school sweetheart and by the age of 33, had 5 children, all with names starting with D. She was a dedicated wife and mother, homemaker, and best friend. In the 1970s, she loved disco dancing and watching her favourite programs such as Days of Our Lives, The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie with her kids. We would stay up late and watch movies together, unless it was a school night of course!
During this time, Mom carried a lot of responsibility in the family, often taking care of family business single handedly and being emotional support to her husband and children. She was born with a certain strength, and was becoming even more mentally tough in the face of adversity.
In the 1980s, when some of her kids were teenagers, she was the cool Mom in the neighbourhood and usually made friends with some of our friends. She wasn’t embarrassed to have conversations with her kids about sex, drugs and rock and roll. She could be protective, and also gave us the freedom to make our own decisions and live our lives.
She enjoyed her weekly bowling league, playing cards and spending time at the baseball field on weekends. She was the loudest cheerleader in the stands, cheering on her husband and son, as well as the whole team. She had an active social life and many friends during this period. She especially loved going to tournaments and the banquets where she was always the first person on the dance floor. Music was a big part of her life and her musical tastes always seemed to be in line with the next generations.
In the 1990s and 2000s as her kids were all grown up, Dianne became more independent, moving to Muskoka and working her own small business for a few years. She faced a life long fear of flying and went to Disney. She spent quality time with grandchildren and helped care for them. She was always a huge animal lover, and had much love for her dogs Laddy and Roxy. Even though her kids were all grown up, she continued to encourage us and build our confidence.
In the last twenty years, her family has continued to grow, with more grandchildren and great grandchildren joining the crew. Dianne’s happiest moments were when her whole family got together and where she could be the proud matriarch of us all. When visiting her kids homes, she would gladly help move furniture, do yard work and laundry or whatever she could to help, since she remained physically strong even into her golden years.
We will always remember her beautiful blue eyes as well as her physical and mental strength. She was generous of her time, love and money; she regularly supported worthy charities her whole life, and recently donated money without hesitation to the war efforts in Ukraine. She had many life experiences to pass on to her family members, and that in turn, will pass on to the next generation. She was so proud of her legacy, which is her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She remained steadfast and graceful through the last few months of her life during her battle with cancer.
We love you Mom, Grandma Dianne and GG…rest in peace
Donations to the Toronto Humane Society, Canadian Cancer Society or blood donations to Canadian Blood Services would be greatly appreciated, in honour of Dianne.
elevated IbDlx Visitation
Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Catholic Cremation Services
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
elevated IbDlx Funeral Mass
Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Catholic Cremation Services
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
elevated IbDlx Cremation
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
Mom, I miss you so much. I will love you forever.
I’m so sorry to the entire Gibbons family, my condolences to each and everyone on of you. May she rest in peace.
Diane, you and the family have been a part of my family for 45 years. There has been laughter and tears, but I have memories close to my heart. You are pain free. R.IP. I love you.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
My condolences to the whole Gibbons family and significant others, may your mom rest in peace
Our condolences to the whole family. May she rest in eternal peace. 💐 ❤️
Our condolences to the whole family for your loss.
Aunt Dianne was always a bright light when she walked into any room. Her piercing blue eyes, and sense of humour could turn a bad day into a good day. May her light always shine on all of you, I wish all the wonderful moments you shared together with your mom get you through your toughest days.
My condolences to all of you. Rest in peace aunt Dianne.