Dianne Madeline Paton

Dianne Madeline Paton (nee Branson)

Surrounded by love while in the arms of her family, Dianne passed away peacefully at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital on Monday November 9, 2026. Cherished wife of Neil Paton, her best friend and love of 30 wonderful years. Adored mother of her twins, Adam and Jamie, her greatest treasures and her absolute pride and joy. Loved by her new son-in-law, Connor McCabe. Daughter of the late Thomas (Bud) and Noreen Branson, Dianne was a loving sister to Joanne (Rudy Klein) and Sue (Gary Wilson).

Dearly loved daughter-in-law of the late Don and Joan Paton and sister-in-law of Alan and Lisa Paton, Carolynne Paton (Ross d. 2014) and Mary-Jane and Dwayne Martins. Affectionately called Aunt Didi by her many nieces and nephews, she was Great-Aunt Didi to the newest generation of little ones. Born on December 25, 1962 in Alpena, Michigan, Dianne was the ultimate Christmas present for her parents and two older sisters.

Growing up primarily in Burlington, Ontario, she was raised in a household where action was the name of the game. Dianne thrived in the environment, excelling in every sport she participated in. She was a catcher for a Rep Softball provincial championship team, a junior tennis champ, a City lifeguard and a junior golf champ. In her graduating year of high school, she was awarded the Female Athlete of the Year for her basketball and volleyball accomplishments. 

She continued to play basketball while attending Wilfrid Laurier University as a member of the Golden Hawks where she was named MVP during the 1982-1983 season. Following her graduation from Laurier (Hons BBA), Dianne began her career in IT at IBM. She continued to work at IBM throughout her career, retiring from her role as a Software Systems Specialist in 2014. 

Throughout her busy sporting life, school studies and early career, Dianne always made friendships a priority. With a group of friends from high school and her Burlington Teen Tour Band days, along with her life-long university besties, “The Girls”, Dianne’s early adulthood was filled with intramural sports, social events and travel. While celebrating a New Year’s party at a chalet at Hidden Valley with one of “The Girls” from Dyson Lake, Dianne met the love of her life. 

With a shared love of skiing and golf, Dianne and Neil bonded instantly. After marrying in 1996, they purchased their own cottage on Dyson Lake, just down from the Paton family cottage (the mothership) where they embarked on their own Muskoka adventures. A new, beautiful chapter started in 1998 with the arrival of Adam and Jamie. Raising their family in Newmarket, with a few years spent in Burlington, their busy lives revolved around kids’ activities and cottaging with idyllic summers spent at Dyson Lake with the extended Paton clan.

They shared their love of skiing with their children, joining the Caledon Ski Club, and were thrilled when Adam and Jamie both excelled on the slopes. They also enjoyed family golf games together at Windermere near the cottage. Dianne and Neil started another special era in 2015 when they joined the Wildcat Run Golf Club community in Estero, Florida. With several of their best friends, they enjoyed a decade of winters, golfing regularly and enjoying the 19th hole at The Grill Room together. Playing from the back tees, Dianne earned a reputation as a long-distance driver and a competitive contender in many club tournaments. 

Dianne’s competitive spirit was evident over the last few years as ALS encroached upon her life. With unwavering strength and determination, she lived every single moment to its fullest. Her drive, iron will and deep love for her family and friends, stand as her greatest legacy.

Neil, Adam and Jamie would like to thank their extended family and their close network of friends for all their support and love throughout Dianne’s journey with ALS. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Strong and his team at University Hospital in London, Shamim Chebet, Dianne’s PSW, and the caring staff at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital ICU department in Orillia.

Visitations will be held on Sunday November 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and again from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home, 1 Mary St, Bracebridge, Ont., P1L 2B6. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday November 16th at 11:00 am at Bracebridge United Church, 46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, ON, P1L 2A5. A reception will follow at The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame at 1512 Muskoka Road #118 W, Muskoka Lakes Township, P1L 1W8. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dianne’s memory to any of the following would be greatly appreciated by the family.

The London Health Sciences Foundation in London, The Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation in Orillia, or directly to ALS Canada.