Diana Pullinger (nee Appleby) died October 8th, 2018, loved ones at her side in Nanaimo. She is survived by step-daughter Jan, grandson Brett (Jessica), great-granddaughter Harriet, nephews Doug (Jo) and Craig (Jackie), niece Elizabeth. She was pre-deceased by brother Brian, and husbands James Realff and William Wallis "Wally" Pullinger.
Born July 31st, 1924, in Mission to dairy farmers Irene and Randolph Appleby, Diana spent 12 years in the local four-room school, and graduated from the Willis School of Business in 1941.
Diana maintained an unwavering passion for social justice. After Wally's death in 1979, She joined the Brechin Church, was key in launching Nanaimo's first Food Bank, and spent inumerable hours supporting the Interchurch Committee, Amnesty International, and United Church Gate Program.
Diana also spent 12 years with Nanaimo Family Life Association, as society director and lay counsellor, and a decade with Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society, as founder, president, and secretary.
Diana enjoyed traveling, Tai Chi, swimming, the symphony, genealogy, and a good book club. She was a lifelong supporter of the NDP.
Friends recall her commitment to peace, social justice, curiosity and love of learning, as well as her leadership and doggedness of spirit. Above all, Diana is remembered for her kindness and generosity to those she loved, as well as her community.