Obituary of Diane Nancy Kalbfleisch

With heavy hearts, the family of Diane Kalbfleisch announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born August 12, 1939, in Kitchener Ontario, Diane grew up in Stratford, the Festival City, formerly lived in Ridgetown and was a current resident of Sarnia, Ontario. Diane was the daughter of the late Erva Krueger and Ed Roth.

You may have known her as “Mrs. K.”, but family members will always remember her as the world’s best Mom, Gram and Great Gram. For hobbies, she enjoyed reading, swimming, baseball, music, and gardening.

Professionally, at Stratford Teachers’ College, Diane completed the official First Year and then the family moved to Hamilton where she graduated from Hamilton Teachers’ College in 1962. She always felt privileged and honoured to teach. Some of her teaching locations included Ancaster, Copetown, Dundas, and Ridgetown.

After teaching, Diane worked as a Branch Library Assistant in both the Ridgetown and Blenheim library branches. Her personal mission was simple yet profound: to encourage and inspire as many children as possible to be excited about reading as it’s a gateway to endless possibilities.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her son Mark (Sabina Peeters) of Camlachie and daughter Nancy of Sarnia, grandmother of Robert of Waterloo and Richard (Liz Vanderburgh) of San Francisco and great grandmother of Adelaide and Elliott of San Francisco.

A deep heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurse practitioner, and staff members who assisted and provided exceptional healthcare. Some of the key healthcare organizations to recognize include Bluewater Health and London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, St. Marys. Interment will be at Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, Ontario. In keeping with Diane’s wishes, there will be no services.

Diane’s unconditional love for her family and dear friends was the foundation that guided her in life. We will always cherish her memory, and she will forever live in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, to honour Diane’s love for family and the children she felt blessed to have taught and guided throughout the years, please consider a donation to the Literary Angels Program via the Chatham-Kent Public Library - Ridgetown or Blenheim branches, or the Cancer Society, or a charity of your choosing.