On the day that former Ottawa city councillor Diane Deans passed away from ovarian cancer, I take solace in this quote from Leo Buscaglia:

The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear[,] an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.

In Diane's case, after almost three decades of public service, she may yet have a version of a ticker-tape parade in her honour or a monument named after her. But I imagine that the people who will remember her most are the individuals whom she loved and who loved her.

Though I did not know her personally or even follow her career closely, Diane made an impression on me simply by having the courage to talk publicly about her ovarian cancer. I was also moved by her invitation to others to send her messages after she had entered palliative care. I sent her such a message and was both surprised and pleased that she answered it. She thanked me for my kind and uplifting words, expressed appreciation for my donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada in her name, and wished me success in my journey. Her generosity of spirit reminds me of a line from John McCrae's famous poem: "To you from failing hands we throw | The torch; be yours to hold it high."

My condolences to Diane's family (husband Ron, daughter Megan and grandson Evan) and her friends.