Diane Deans Obituary and Death: A long-serving and influential Ottawa City Councillor, has passed away at the age of 65 following a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Deans, who represented the Gloucester-Southgate Ward for 28 years, was known for her unwavering tenacity, courage, and compassion. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to fight for the issues that mattered most to Ottawa residents, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.
Deans’ passing was announced by her family, who stated that she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Her daughter, Megan McGovern, remembered her as a role model who demonstrated that no dream is beyond reach. Deans’ colleagues and friends described her as a passionate and fiery individual who wore her heart on her sleeve. She was a tough-as-nails politician who never stopped working, thoroughly reading and questioning every report that passed her desk.
Throughout her career, Deans was a strong advocate for transparency and accountability. She was a frequent and persistent foil of then-mayor Jim Watson, criticizing his emphasis on sticking to a prescribed budget over ensuring accountability. Deans also pushed for answers on whether SNC-Lavalin met the technical score in its bid to build the Trillium Line extension. Her tenacity and commitment to doing what’s right made her an unforgettable politician and friend.
A celebration of Deans’ life will take place on May 25 at the Infinity Convention Centre, and a book of condolences will be available at Ottawa City Hall and the Greenboro Community Centre from May 21-23. Ottawa residents can also send their condolences to diane.deans01@gmail.com via email. Jessica Bradley, the current councillor for the Gloucester-Southgate Ward, described Deans as a mentor and a friend, stating that she would be delivering a statement to honour Deans during the council meeting.
Deans’ legacy extends beyond her ward, as she will be remembered for her tireless efforts to hold city officials accountable for their actions. Her unwavering commitment to transparency and her unrelenting pursuit of truth have left a lasting impact on the city of Ottawa. As a politician, she was a true champion of the people, and her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
Throughout her 28-year tenure on the Ottawa City Council, Deans was a steadfast advocate for her constituents. She was a vocal critic of the city’s handling of the LRT project and pushed for answers on the SNC-Lavalin bid. Her dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to doing what’s right earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the public.
Deans’ impact on the city of Ottawa extends beyond her work on the city council. She was a mentor and a friend to many, and her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the indelible mark she left on the city she served for so many years.
In addition to her work on the city council, Deans was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Ron Richards, her daughter, Megan McGovern, and her grandson, Evan. Her family described her as a loving and caring individual who always put the needs of others before her own.
Deans’ passing is a significant loss for the city of Ottawa and the community she served for so many years. Her unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and doing what’s right has left a lasting impact on the city, and her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in her footsteps.
In the days and weeks ahead, the city of Ottawa will come together to celebrate Deans’ life and legacy. Her memory will be honoured through a celebration of life at the Infinity Convention Centre on May 25, and a book of condolences will be available at Ottawa City Hall and the Greenboro Community Centre from May 21-23. Ottawa residents can also send their condolences to diane.deans01@gmail.com via email. As the city mourns the loss of this dedicated public servant, her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to make a difference in their community.
