Internet Home of Lee & Dianne Brown
Dianne Jo Brown (Blair)
March 18, 1940 - August 11, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Dianne Jo Brown on August 11, 2024, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, at the age of eighty-four. We are deeply grateful that Dianne spent the last two years at the White Oak North Grove skilled nursing facility, near her family and surrounded by the compassionate staff who cared for her so graciously.
Dianne Jo Blair was born on March 18, 1940, in Stettler, Alberta, Canada to George and Doris Blair. She was the eldest of four sisters, Gail, Lorraine, and Pat, who remember her fondly as a calm and caring big sister with a big smile and cute little giggle.
In 1961, Dianne met the love of her life, Robert Lee Brown, when he visited their home to tune the family piano. Their love blossomed, and they were married on September 1, 1961.
Dianne and Lee began their journey together in Ontario, where Lee worked in encyclopedia sales. They welcomed their first son, Keith, in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1962, followed by their second son, Kent, in Stettler, Alberta, in 1963.
Dianne dedicated herself to raising their two boys while Lee pursued a successful career with the Combined Insurance Company, where he worked for 32 years. Dianne was not only a loving mother but also Lee’s steadfast partner, serving as his seamstress, bookkeeper, accountant, banker, and occasionally his lawyer!
In 1976, seeking warmer winters, Dianne and Lee moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, with the company.
In 1981, they acquired rental property on Hope Valley Road in Durham, North Carolina, and founded The Petite Oasis. They moved to the property in 1995 and devoted themselves to full-time property management for the next 29 years. Today, The Petite Oasis continues to thrive as a unique rental community in the heart of Durham.
Dianne and Lee shared a love for travel, exploring the United States, Canada, and Mexico in their RV. They also enjoyed international adventures to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Italy.
Dianne is survived by her loving sons and their spouses, Keith and Debbi, Kent and Ashland, six cherished grandchildren, Laura (Craig Rood), Glynnis, Branson, Jake, Sam, and Jill, as well as sisters Gail Scollon and Pat Blair in Canada.
Dianne was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Lee Brown and recently by her treasured sister Lorraine Beth Blanchard, who resided in Mexico.
Lee once said of her, "She is sophisticated. The definition of sophisticated is the person who makes everyone in the room feel the most comfortable."
We extend our heartfelt thanks for the friendship and support shown to Dianne and Lee over the years. In lieu of flowers, Dianne requested any honorariums be in the form of a donation to the GoFundMe link below, in support of outstanding medical bills for her sister, Lorraine Blanchard.
GoFundMe Medical Expenses for Lorraine Beth Blanchard
With love and gratitude, Keith and Kent Brown
