MCKENNA, Diana

McKENNA It is with great sadness that we announce that, after a courageous battle with a myriad of long-standing health complications, the passing of our beloved DIANA ALMA McKENNA. Diana was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend who will be greatly and truly missed.
Diana was born to parents, Olof and Alma Olsson of the Coutts/Milk River area. She grew up on the family farm with her best friend and little “sis” Linda as well as her older brothers Leonard, Edward, Victor and Norman.
After the passing of her father Olof, herself along with her mother and sister, moved to Lethbridge to complete her education. This is where she met her husband to be, Ron Mckenna. They met in the early spring of 1965 and were married February 25, 1967. Soon after, they began raising three wonderful children together; Their daughter, Sherri Lynn, and two sons, Sean Edward, and Jason Ronald. During their time in Lethbridge, Diana worked as a Tele typist for the Lethbridge Herald, where she was known to be exceptionally efficient and detailed in proofing. Since this was prior to computers, she had to work with the utmost precision, a skill she wore proudly. Later, she also worked as a legal steno secretary.
Diana, Ron and their children, lived in Lethbridge on Lakeway Boulevard for approximately eight years. After which they sold their home and purchased an acreage near Raymond Alberta, a longtime goal now fulfilled. She and Ron laboured diligently to build their new home. After years of love and hard work the yard was eventually lush with trees, flowers and shrubs. A yard now lovingly named, Windhaven.
It was in the early spring of 1983, when she and her husband Ron were involved in a motor vehicle accident. The result of this tragic accident left Diana with a new challenge, adapting to life in a wheelchair. She had to relearn every fundamental aspect of her life, however, this did not slow her down. She took every new lesson in stride knowing that as a survivor, she would endure. Additionally, she continued to love working in the yard and embraced every moment of change. This included assisting with planting trees, creating flowerbeds, and continuing her diligent and loving work on the garden.
Along with her green thumb, Diana was also a very creative soul. She loved working and creating with her hands. She did many crafts, including needlework and stitchery, pottery, painting, and stained glass. Diana was especially proud of her sewing machine and serger, with which she created many sewing projects like blankets and clothing for the grandchildren. Diana also loved playing games and puzzling, especially with her family.
Diana never let her challenges get her down. She, and her modified little blue Lincoln travelled far and wide. She would often be seen driving to Lethbridge or out to her daughter’s farm in Monarch. She was not one to be tied down, over the years she was involved in many unique activities, some of these include wheelchair curling and wheelchair hockey. She was also a torch bearer for the Rick Hansen man in motion tour.
Besides her loving husband, she is survived by: daughter, Sherri (Bob) deBoer, and their three children Riley (Brandi) deBoer, Nathan (Mackinley) deBoer, and Ainsley deBoer. Sean McKenna and daughter, Ashley Hegi (deceased). Jason (Wendy) McKenna, and their son Jaxon McKenna. Additionally, Diana is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, who were close to her heart, and loved her dearly. Diana is also survived by her sister, Linda Dieter, Kleinfeld, Norman Olsson (Peggy), Victor Olsson.
She is predeceased by her parents, Alma, Cecelia Olsson, and Olaf, Anton Olsson, as well as brothers, Edward Olsson, and Leonard Olsson.
Lastly, we’d like to give thanks to Dr. Cody Nelson of Raymond and Raymond Home Care nurses, CBI and Bridge Home Care staff for their long-time dedicated care to Diana’s health. With regards to her most recent battle, Diana was lovingly cared for by Drs. Spence and Walsh and other physicians, nurses and staff of the Chinook Regional Hospital ICU department.
Diana touched the hearts of all that she met and she will be greatly missed. Until we meet again, we shall always and forever love you as fiercely as you did us.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – 604 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Diana did many hours of volunteer work for the Canadian paraplegic association. An organization that was near and dear to her heart given that she lived boldly with a spinal cord injury for 42 years of her life. In respect to this passionate work, we kindly ask that, for those so inclined, in lieu of flowers, individuals would send a donation to the Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (SCI-AB) organization (QR code provided below).
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com