In memory of

Diana Harney

September 9, 1938 -  February 16, 2021

We are sad to report the passing of Diana Maria (Ohlsson) Harney on February 16, 2021, from complications of Lewy body dementia. Diana was an avid traveller, an excellent cook, a tai chi instructor and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, as comfortable in an academic dinner party as a backyard barbeque. She was born on September 9, 1938 in New York, attended Endicott College, and married Robert F. Harney in 1960. They moved from Berkeley, California to Toronto in 1964, where Bob became a Professor in the History Department at the University of Toronto and the founder of the Multicultural History Society of Ontario, and where they raised their four children, Steve, Kate, Nick and Betsy.

Diana is survived by her children and their families (including ten grandchildren), her sister Assunta (Sunny) Farrell of Monroe, CT, and a worldwide network of family and friends, Prof. William J. Callahan chief among them. Her family wishes to express its gratitude to the caring staffs of Briton House and Sunnybrook Hospital, who did so much to make her final days comfortable. There will be a celebration of Diana's life once current gathering and travel restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Multicultural History Society of Ontario (http://mhso.ca/wp/donations/).

Guestbook 

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Barbara Malley (Mother of Rick, husband of Diana's daughter, Kate)

Entered February 22, 2021 from Paris, France

An amazing, loving, caring person -- add all the words that fall in this category and beyond - and they will begin to describe Diana and all she brought to those fortunate enough to know and love her.
Barbara

Joanne White (Niece)

Entered February 22, 2021 from Nellysford, VA

A memory I would like to share is attending a class with Diana teaching Tai Chi to ladies in their 80’s in Toronto. These remarkable women were able to move gracefully, with the poise and agility of those a fraction of their age. My attempts were much less admirable. Prayers for you and your family, dear Diana.

John White (my moms step sister/first cousin)

Entered February 22, 2021 from North Branford CT

So sorry to hear of Diana’s passing. Many fond memories of her over the years, her lovely summer visits here in CT, and the wonderful gatherings at Kate and Ricks in Beverly. She was such a sweet and gentle person, always friendly and welcoming, and an amazing cook too. She lived such a full life and will surely be missed.

Dawn Fitzgerald Pyne (Cousin)

Entered February 22, 2021 from Atlanta, GA

I remember Diana, Bob, Steve, Kate, Nick and Betsy staying with us in Connecticut, when we were school age. Loved having Diana and Bob cooking for us! Prayers and Hugs!

Jo Martin 

Entered February 22, 2021 from Auckland

Diana was always warm, welcoming and made the best chocolate chip cookies (kept in the freezer - great tip!) I always loved the time spent with her in Toronto, where she made us feel so at home and New Zealand, a place I know she loved. Interesting and always interested - she'll be missed by many. Sending all our love to all the Harney's, but especially to Betts, Paul, Ben, Sam and Luke.

WIth lots of love from
Jo, Georgie and Archie xx

Photos 

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