Diana Ardella Kristianson (nee Taipalus) passed away at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on October 5th, 2024 after a brief illness.

Diana was born in Flin Flon Manitoba on November 30th, 1937 to Finnish immigrants Martha and Frans Jaakko “Jack” Taipalus. Along with her older brother George, the family moved to River Road in Delta before the Second World War where she grew up on a dairy farm. Diana went on to become the first member of her family to attend university, earning a bachelor’s degree in home economics from the University of British Columbia.

While teaching at Squamish High School, she met Gerry Kristianson, and the couple married in 1961. Along with Gerry and her sons Leif and Eric, Diana travelled extensively as a diplomat’s wife before the family settled in Cordova Bay, BC in 1973. Diana dedicated herself to raising her sons and being a homemaker. She was an accomplished seamstress, block-printer, and baker. As empty-nesters, she and Gerry moved to Piers Island in 1988 where she remained for the rest of her life.

Diana became inseparable from Piers Island and its close-knit gulf island community. She had many close friends on the island and went from being an island newcomer to an island elder. It was her special place in the world.

Diana was predeceased by her parents, her brother and her much loved son Leif. She is survived by Gerry, her husband of 63 years, son Eric, daughter-in-law Judy and beloved granddaughter Kate.

We are very grateful for the tremendously kind and patient first responders on Piers Island and the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date on Piers Island. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation.