IERVASI, Diane Debbie

November 10, 1960 — August 5, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Diane Debbie Iervasi, our daughter, sister, mother, and aunt.

Diane, born in Calgary in 1960, was the first of 3 children to father Salvatore and mother Emily. As the first-born child of hopeful immigrants, Diane was loved and cherished immensely by her parents. She had the look of her Italian father and the determination of her German mother. She was spoiled by her grandparents who revered the first grandchild of this young couple.

Diane and her younger siblings, Janet and Dean, grew up in the friendly neighborhood of Albert Park. She attended Albert Park Elementary, then Sir Wilfried Laurier, and graduated from Crescent Heights High School. She was an exemplary student, an avid reader, a kind friend, a creative spirit, a rock-n-roll music lover, and always kept on the straight and narrow (unlike her rambunctious younger siblings).

After graduating, Diane attended post-secondary studies and settled into an entertaining career in bartending and mixology. Diane was always your favourite neighbourhood bartender. After working hiatuses to take care of her children, she became the Director of Food Service at the YMCA where she led for over 5 successful years. She was a compassionate coworker who was forever willing to commiserate and empathetically listen to anyone, whether across the bar or across the cafe kitchen.

Although Diane had strong relationships throughout her years, nothing could compare to the four biggest loves of her life, her children: Sarah-Jade, Jonathan, Daina, and Emilie. She was a generous mother, always ready to stick up for her kids, to be their support as they grew, a friend when they were in need, and to make sure they had a good dinner to come home to.

As her children grew older, Diane’s choices may not have always led her down the gilded path, but we can reflect on the down times while still remembering to uplift the moments of resilience, strength, love, and kindness.

Diane will be remembered by the family left behind, her mother Emily; sister Janet; brother-in-law Steen; children Sarah-Jade, Jonathan, Daina, and Emilie; niece Natasha; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins in Canada, Australia, and Argentina.

We hope that, in death, she is reunited with her father Salvatore, and brother Dino, as they all spend their days lounging, laughing, and listening to Led Zeppelin.

While there will not be a formal gathering, we encourage friends and family to share stories, memories, and reflections of Diane on an online memorial page on her Facebook page. This will be a space to connect and celebrate her life together.

Rest in eternal peace, Diane. You will be forever missed and forever loved.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.