We Remember
ESSLER, Pearl Diane Theresa “Dee” (née Daly)
April 4, 1945 — September 25, 2025
On September 25, 2025, Diane passed peacefully with her son Tony and daughter-in-law Mona Essler by her side. She is predeceased by her husband Rick Essler of 61 years (d. November 2024), and her grandson Bryce Essler (d. February 2010).
Diane leaves behind her son Tony (Mona) Essler of Kelowna, BC; daughter Tina Essler of 100 Mile House; grandchildren Sean Murphy of Abbotsford, BC, and Kristi (Ian) Field of West Kelowna; and her two great-grandsons, Lachlan and Lennox Field of West Kelowna. She is also survived by her sister Sharon Daly of Victoria, BC, and brother Kenneth Daly of Abbotsford, BC,
Diane was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Victoria, BC, on April 4, 1945. She attended St. Ann’s Academy Catholic School, where she met her lifelong friends Geraldine and Shirley.
Diane had her eyes on Rick at an early age, and she followed him to Penticton where he proposed. After getting married in Penticton they moved back to Victoria, where they started their family. Diane had many jobs over the years — from working in hospitals to ensure patients had the proper nutrition, to working graveyard in a plastic plant in Calgary. Rick and Dee eventually moved back to Penticton where they had mobile catering trucks and made brown bag lunches for the firefighters. The best job she had was looking after two of her grandchildren. She would be playing Elvis records loud in the house, and you knew she was dancing. She could always be found out in the garden, growing large fruits and veggies in the backyard and a beautiful flower garden in the front.
Diane is finally back with her true love, and will be dearly missed by all.
A special thank you to the staff of Cottonwoods Care Centre for their exceptional care of Diane over the past three years.
We will be holding a celebration of life for Rick and Dee in the spring, and we hope many of you that knew our parents will come and share your treasured memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kelowna SPCA would be welcome.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.


Diane was a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Sharon, Tony, Tina
I am so sorry for your loss. May the many wonderful memories you have comfort you in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy.
I spent many an hour talking to my cousin Diane over the years. We never met in person but we
shared a lot about our families. To Sharon, Tony and Tina, I’m very sorry for your loss.