Obituary of Ann Diebel

Ann Diebel (nee Cubberley)

1941 - 2023

Cherished wife of 58 years to Kenneth (Ken) and loving mother to her children Adam Diebel (Jillian), Sarah Drouin (Darren). Dear sister to her brother David Cubberley (Susan) of Victoria BC.  Proud Nannie to her grandchildren, Connor Diebel and Abbey Drouin, and her nephew Bryn Cubberley. Remembered by Ken's brother Peter and wife Edythe. Ann Also has many cousins and friends in England who she cherished, returning to England with Ken for their honeymoon, followed by over 30 such visits across the pond.

Ann was born in the gatehouse of a Castle in Wallingford England, as her mother was evacuated from their London (Barnes) home because of the war. As a small child she remembers broken windows in the house in Barnes and seeing barrage balloons overhead, as well as hearing buzz bombs from German planes.

She has a vivid memory of being rushed to the neighbour’s air raid shelter and hearing the sirens. As well, her Nannie could not go without her hat, as its absence meant no church.

Ann's family immigrated to Kitchener in 1950 and quickly became citizens of Canada.

Ann's first love was family, and second love was her flower garden. She loved nothing more than to have the family for dinner and even more for spending time with them at the cottage. 

Ann was an accomplished flower arranger and judge, having won ribbons and medals in flower shows here at home and internationally, in such places as South Africa, Scotland, and Barbados. Her most prized award was a bronze medal, the first medal earned for Canada at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, England.  

As president of the KW Garden Club and then the Ontario Garden Club, as well as a member of the World Association of Flower Arrangers, Ann shared her love of floral design by teaching classes to aspiring flower arrangers.

Ann was an inspiration to others with her quiet fortitude and gentle guidance.

She will be forever carried in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St. Waterloo on Monday, March 6, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow in the sanctuary of the church on Monday at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ed Bastian officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. 

Condolences for the family and donations to Trillium Lutheran Church or KidsAbility may be arranged at www.erbgood.com.