Docteur ès lettres
Diana M. Walton died peacefully after another battle with cancer on October 7, 2021. Diana was born in Toronto on November 23, 1943, the daughter of Myrtle (Barber) and William Knox.
Diana attended Powassan District High School and graduated from Chippewa High School in North Bay. She received her BA (Honours) and MA (Literature) from Queens University, winning numerous awards including the medal for Latin and the medal for French along with the Prince of Wales Award for standing 1st on the Honours BA list. Diana was nominated for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship; however, she accepted the prestigious Bousiére de la confédération helvétique for post-graduate students. Her doctoral thesis on Samuel Beckett (la quest pour le zero positif) received an honourable mention at the université de Genève.
In 1968 Diana accepted a position at the new Nipissing University where she taught French language and Classical Studies for 37 years. She was a member (and President) of the Ontario Classical Society for many years, travelling across Ontario and into the United States for sessions whose aim was to keep the Classics alive and well in both Secondary schools and universities. Diana led a number of memorable student tours to Greece, France, and Spain.
Interested in improving her physical health, Diana studied the art of Tai Chi, becoming an instructor of Taoist Tai Chi at the North Bay Branch. Besides the activity of Tai Chi, Diana enjoyed cross-country skiing, curling, golf, hiking and travel. Being a breast cancer survivor, Diana joined the Warriors of Hope Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Racing Team where she thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of these remarkable women as they paddled and raced in Canada, the US, and with a team in Italy. One of the founding members, Diana paddled with the team until Covid 19 cancelled all activity in the boat. Paddles up, Warriors!
Diana is survived by her husband Bill, son Marcus, grandson Coltin, and many dear friends to whom she says, “Life is for the living: enjoy it.”
Family receiving friends at Hillside Funeral Services, 362 Airport Rd, on Saturday October 9th from 7 until 8 pm. A celebration of life will follow at 8 pm. As per current COVID-19 directives the total number of attendees is limited, social distancing requirements must be respected, and masks or face coverings are required inside the funeral home.