SMELTZER, Diane Lee (née Ouimette)

Aged 72, of Fergus, Ontario, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026. Born in Témiscaming, Quebec on January 12, 1954, Diane was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest and Alfreda Ouimette. She grew up as the third oldest of eight children in a large family. Just like the song title says, this is a little ditty about Jack and Diane. Diane met the love of her life, Jack, while hitchhiking—a quintessential start to a 47-year partnership of pure companionship. Jack and Diane were truly inseparable until his passing in 2020, living out their own classic love story. Together, they passed on a powerful legacy to their family, teaching their kids the vital importance of working hard, seeing the best in others, and making a difference in the world. We love you, Mom. Diane was a devoted mother to Steven (Melissa) Smeltzer, Sherry Fletcher, and Michelle (Mason) Gama. She was also the best Nan any grandchild could ask for—always playing, supporting, and cheering them on at their sporting events. Her encouragement to always do their best, her laughs, and the cherished memories they shared will never fade. She will be deeply missed by her six grandchildren: Brayden, Logan, Jackson, Maya, Payton, and Tenley. A dedicated, hard-working employee, Diane worked at Stilemeadows in Elora before joining DC Foods in Waterloo from 1991 until her retirement in 2019. Diane was the backbone of DC Foods in Waterloo. As Plant Manager, she helped build the company from the ground up through sheer determination, often working 2:00am to 7:00pm shifts to keep things running smoothly. She led with a signature mix of being fair, firm, and getting the job done. Throughout her career, she made a lasting difference in people’s lives by seeing the best in others, and always getting the job done right, usually with a broom, mop, or vacuum close at hand! Outside of work, Diane had a deep love for the outdoors, finding great joy in gardening and camping. Keeping things orderly and clean was important to her, a reflection of the pride and care she brought to everything she did. Dear sister to Jerry (Elizabeth) Ouimette, Susan (the late Albert) Duffield, Roseanne (Dave) Harrop, John Paul (Judy) Ouimette, and Donald Ouimette; and predeceased by her brothers Ernie (Cathy) and Jim (Peg). Fondly remembered by her extended family, including in-laws Glenn (the late Shirley) Smeltzer, Gail (the late Rob) Rennie, and Helen (Dennis) Fisher, as well Diane had many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who will remember growing up having a fun, loving, caring aunt who would go to great lengths to make them smile or even gave them their first job. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff at Royal Terrace in Palmerston for their loving care over the past year and two months. Visitation was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David St. South, Fergus from 10:00am - 11:00am. A memorial service began at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society. Arrangements are entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home. 

www.grahamgiddyfh.com