In Loving Memory of Diana “Dianne” Helen MacKenzie

February 26, 1949 – May 23, 2025

With loving hearts and precious memories, we share the passing of Diana “Dianne” Helen MacKenzie, beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, who had an avid sense of adventure and a heart of gold. 

Dianne passed away peacefully at Percy’s Place at the age of 76, on May 23, 2025, with love surrounding her.  In a remarkable coincidence, Dianne spent her final years living in Chatham, on the very site where the hospital once stood, connecting the place of her birth to the place she called home at the time of her passing.

Dianne was the daughter of Helen (Atkinson) and Jimmy MacKenzie of Napan, New Brunswick, who excitedly welcomed their firstborn on February 26, 1949. 

Dianne was a warm and caring woman who enjoyed helping others, always finding joy in doing thoughtful deeds for those around her. She was an enthusiastic reader and she cherished writing heartfelt cards and notes to express her love and appreciation for family, friends, and her community. Dianne was particularly observant and was especially generous with compliments. Dianne was a member of the Carmel United Church and also attended the Skyway to Heaven Church. Dianne worked as an Administrative Assistant in the insurance industry for most of her career, and more recently, as a Caregiver, where her kindness and diligence touched many lives.

Dianne is survived by her sisters, Donna MacKenzie (Brian Gilliss), Patti MacKenzie (Stacy MacPherson), and Christine MacKenzie, all of Napan, New Brunswick, and Beth MacKenzie of Miramichi, New Brunswick; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; her special cousin, Helen Godfrey, and numerous other cherished cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Jimmy and Helen MacKenzie; sisters, Susan Jean (infant) and Sandra Gilliss; nephew, Aaron; and great-nephew, baby Grady.

A Celebration of Life was held at Carmel United Church, 795 South Napan Road, Napan, New Brunswick, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with The Reverend Charlene Maguire MacKnight as Officiant. Music ministry for the service was provided by Barbara Somers and the Loggieville-Black River Joint Choir.  Recorded musical selections were also provided.  The entrance music included "My Way" by Frank Sinatra, followed by congregational hymn "In the Garden", choir anthem "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me", and congregational hymn "I Danced in the Morning".  The recessional song was "The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding.  The Christ Candle was lit by Linda Dickson.  Memorial Candles were lit by Brad and Dean Gilliss.  The eulogy was by Patti MacKenzie.  Scripture readings were read by Will MacKenzie, and Lindsay Gilliss.  A poem was read by Shannon Peach.  The Honorary Pallbearers were Helen Godfrey, Linda Godfrey, Barbara Morrison, Christina Chisholm, Lynn MacDonald, and Zoella Vienneau.  A fellowship reception, hosted by the United Church Women (UCW), followed the service in the church basement. Interment was in the Black River Community Cemetery, Black River Bridge, New Brunswick.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Percy’s Place, Carmel United Church, the Canadian Mental Health Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

The family appreciated the support and compassion provided by all the staff at the Miramichi Regional Hospital and Percy’s Place, for the care given to Dianne.  They would also like to acknowledge Augustina Brefo, caregiver and friend.  It certainly requires special people to provide such kindness and professionalism.

In honour of Dianne’s love for writing heartfelt notes, the family encourages everyone to write special cards to loved ones in their own lives, expressing gratitude and love before it’s too late—a gesture Dianne held dear, as we often forget to share these sentiments with those we cherish.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

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