STEELE-BEER: Dianne Lauralyn of Chatham
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On October 13, 2026 @ 8:15 AM In Exeter, Obituary | 37 Comments
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my wife, my partner, and my best friend Dianne Lauralyn Steele-Beer of Chatham-Kent Ontario, who died on the 26th of September 2026, at the age of 72. Dianne passed away at home, with family and friends near by, finally at peace and free of the physical pain that plagued her in life.
Dianne was born 28 July 1954 in Windsor Ontario, to Eugene Wilbur Steele and Freida Mae Steele. She was schooled at Windsor public schools and was a proud graduate, and in the final graduating class, of J.C. Patterson Collegiate Institute, where her mother and grandmother had been educated before her.
The third of six children, Dianne’s formative years were anything but ‘normal’. Her family was exposed to the bigotry and social unrest that characterised the 50’s and 60’s in urban North America. But she and her siblings had remarkable adult guidance and mentors. Indeed, her mother, father and grandfather each had storied lives that set a high bar for the children who followed them. Most importantly the children were raised in a loving family environment characterised by tolerance, egalitarianism and charity, and where the Baptist Church factored prominently. They thrived no matter the upheavals that life sent the family’s way. It was an upbringing that tempered Dianne’s personality and taught her to meet life head on, and without surrender.
Dianne was an accomplished athlete and successful student. As a youth she was a lifeguard for Windsor Parks and Recreation before heading off to university where she studied social sciences and competed intercollegiately in volleyball.
After university, occupational therapy became her professional focus. She thrived in a role where her sunny disposition, engaging personality, and personal drive set her apart. Soon she gained ever more responsibilities at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, even as she kept up a ‘side-gig’ of fashion modelling and media commercials. She loved her career work, cherished the team environment and was motivated by the fact she felt she was doing important work with objective impacts for people who needed help. Over time though, the hospital and the realities of patient suffering weighed heavily on Dianne, where the “client”, especially children, often did not survive.
Dianne surprised everyone who knew her when she jumped professionally from health care to policing. It seemed an unlikely choice, inconsistent with who she was, her personality, her stunning good looks, her positive “glass half full” approach to life. How would she deal with a environment that was often dark, violent and unforgiving.
Her grandfather, a decorated police veteran, and known nationally as Canada’s first Black Detective, was likely not so surprised Dianne had made this choice as he was worried for her. He knew what she would face a daily dose of the worst society has to offer, but how would she deal with the systemic patriarchy, sexism, racism, and bigotry that infected the policing profession at that time. He need not have worried.
Dianne was a star recruit and she became a windfall for the Peel Regional Police (PRP) that was striving to become a more diverse and new-age police service. Here was a well educated, mature, and life experienced black women, trading one successful professional career for the challenges of policing.
With her brother serving as her personal trainer she elevated her general fitness to assure physicality was no impediment to her candidature. Beyond that, she already had everything a police agency desired in a new recruit. She had bundles of credential.
In no time those credentials were seen in her performance. First at the police academy, then on the job at a patrol division. She made the PRP look good every day. The bonus was that she embraced the work and everything about it. She loved the job, wanted to do and experience everything and prove herself in all aspects. She earned and got the respect of peers and seniors alike, and she relished being a contributing and accepted team member.
It wasn’t long before Dianne, even as a junior rank, was given different and well earned opportunities and challenges in policing. Soon she was representing her Chief and her department among other police agencies, in the community, with local government and even at the level of the Solicitor General. She was contributing to some of policing and public safety hot button issues of the day including; human rights, race and ethnicity, sexual violence, and spousal abuse. Always her performance was predictably professional. Her contributions were known to be evidence-based and supported by her education and life experience. She felt she was making a difference, and she loved her new career.
But, even she and I were brought together by a mutual friend, Fate was planning to separate us at the same time. You see, Dee became sick with a gastro-intestinal dysmotility, a neurological disorder causing her brain to stop sending proper signals to the involuntary muscles of the intestinal tract. All evidence suggested she had been infected after contact with an infant in the traveling public at L.B. Pearson Airport, one of her duty posts. The infection was known to be fatal to infants, and life changing for adults. At the time there were only a handful of known cases in Canada.
Dianne was thriving in her new career. She was becoming a leader, a mentor, and a progressive influencer, long before the idea of “influencer” was understood in popular culture. In matters of human rights, racism, and sexual violence she was recognized for her knowledge and expertise. She often represented her department in support of policing development working with the Ministry of the Solicitor General for Ontario.
Now, just as she was gaining traction in her policing career the medical condition would slowing start to take her life. First it would take her fitness, then her lifestyle, her strength, her mobility, and with all that her career and life aspirations.
But, her condition never took her fierce will to live. She was in pain, every day, and all the time. A “good day” meant successful pain management and doing something “normal”. But every normal day was followed by days of worse pain and less mobility. She might not last a decade they said. She endured three.
Through it all, she was the most positive person you may have ever met. Those who knew her were amazed by her strength of character and goodness of heart. Those who knew her best were amazed the most.
In August Dianne entered hospital for the last time. Everything doctors had predicted would happen as a result of her original diagnosis so many years ago, had occurred. Not on a predictable timeline, but on a predictable continuum; “A” will be followed by “B” leading to “C”. Over time her bone mass had been severely compromised, and now her vascular system was failing. Three unsuccessful surgeries in her last few days led to only one outcome, and for that Dianne wanted to be at home.
Dee passed in home hospice care, on the 26/ 09/ 26, with her family close by. She will be missed by everyone who ever knew her.
Dianne is lovingly remembered by her spouse David Beer (Chatham), her sisters; Janice Steele (Toronto), Cherie Steele-Sexton and spouse Niles Sexton (Detroit MI), and Debbie (Steele) Marshall (Unionville ON), and her brother Alan Steele and partner Linda Dudley (Chatham ON), and by her extended family; David’s daughter Kristin (London ON), son Aaron and wife Sonath (Leduc AB) and Kristin’s daughters, Katherine (Istanbul Turkey), Nicole (Ottawa ON) and Danielle (London/Windsor ON); nephews William Sexton (Detroit), Steele Hughes (Detroit), Jefferson Marshall (Toronto) and niece Taylor Marshall (Toronto). Dianne was predeceased by her sister Gina (Steele) Hughes (2026), and brother in-law Mark Marshall (2015).
Chatham:
Visitation will be held at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, CHATHAM on Wednesday, October 14th from 12 PM until the time of the memorial service at 1 PM. A reception will follow.
Exeter:
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Thursday, October 15th from 12 PM until the time of the memorial service at 1 PM. A reception will follow. Interment will follow the reception at Hensall Union Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to watch the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dianne’s name to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
“Today, Tomorrow, and Forever”
Condolences for the family of “STEELE-BEER: Dianne Lauralyn of Chatham”
David
Sincere sympathy in your huge loss. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort during this difficult time. Dianne sounds like an amazing lady.
Sending deepest condolences on Dianne’s passing on behalf of Hensall Legion Br 468.
What a wonderful tribute to Dianne. I attended Patterson and was also part of the last graduating class (grade 12, then one year at Lowe) and remember her well. She was so beautiful physically and also a beautiful person in every other way. Dianne was friendly, kind, intelligent and had a lovely smile. It was nice to read about her life after high school and all her achievements, which certainly weren’t a surprise as she had amazing role models in her family.
David, I have never met you but from this tribute, I can see that you loved her deeply. To you and all her family, my deepest condolences to all of you. To her siblings, I am thinking of you having lost your sister Gina as well this year. Your pain is deep because of your deep love for Dianne. May wonderful memories and the blessing that she was to all of you bring you some comfort as you remember Dianne.
Diana Chisholm
Very proud to say I met Dianne through Peel Police. She was a wonderful person to know.
So sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to the family.
Dave. Our sincerest condolences on your loss. I only met Dianne once but I certainly remember her smile and joy of life. Hopefully she is at peace and out of pain. Keep all those great memories close during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Dave and Dee’s family.
Dianne you were such an inspiration and will always be missed. Deepest sympathies to your family
Teresa
Dear Uncle Dave, Kristen, Aaron and families..
I’m so very sorry for your immense loss. My heart and prayers go out to all of you May you all find comfort and peace moving forward
Love Rose Marie
My Deepest Condolences and Prayers to the Family.🥲🚒
It is with great sadness to hear of the loss of Dianne .My sincerest condolences to all her family of whom I came to know and learn many life lessons in the late 70’s while becoming a young man in public service. Also to read about dear Gina .
Your family is very much loved and respected for as long as I live .
Words cannot express what it is felt sometimes; I do know there are two new angels watching over us all now.
Forever and always
Randy F.
Dave,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dianne’s passing\. Reading your beautiful tribute to her, I was moved not only by the extraordinary person she was, but also by the depth of the life and love you shared\.
Although many years have passed since our days together with SERT, I have never forgotten that time or the people I had the privilege of serving alongside\. You were an important part of that chapter of my life, and someone I respected deeply as both a teammate and a friend\. I’m sorry we lost touch after the transition from SERT to JTF2\.
Your words about Dianne’s courage, determination, and remarkable strength over so many years were deeply moving\. To face such hardship for thirty years while holding on to her positive spirit speaks volumes about the remarkable woman she was\.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Dave\. I hope that, in the days ahead, the memories of the life you shared with Dianne will bring you some comfort and strength\. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts\. I’m thinking of you as an old friend and wishing you peace during this difficult time\.
With deepest sympathy and warmest regards,
François Vanhoutte C9\-S39
Former SERT
Deepest sympathy on the passing of Dianne a gentle soul rest in peace.
My deepest condolences ! Dianne will be missed my many . 🕊️🙏.
Dear Dave,
Such a beautiful tribute for a beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families as you mourn the loss of Dianne.
Love,
Neil and Marie, Emily, Sean, Sarah and Claire Mitchell
Dianne was an exceptional human being and how fortunate ‘Sam’ and I were to get to know she and Dave through 4th ave Baptist church .
The 4 of us had a ‘wonderful’ run in ottawa , boating ,partying ,laughing and enjoying our respective companies . Her strenght ,captured so well in her obituary,was always evident in all the time we spent with them and never complaining but always smiling .
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Dianne would know what I say when I say “we ere truly blessed to have her in our lives”
God Bless
Jim and ‘Sam’
Dave,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family from Kathy and I on the passing of Dianne. Your tribute of such a remarkable woman indicated the special bond and determination you both lived through the many years of her hard fought battle with her condition.
I plan on attending her Memorial Service on the 15th to personally offer my condolences to you and her family, been a long time since our SERT days.
With deepest sympathies,
Roger Tardif A14
Dianne was truly remarkable person. We were close for a while prior to her illness taking hold. Sadly we had not seen her in many years though she was often in our minds, hearts and conversations. We loved you deeply my friend. Rest easy Dee
Dear David! We have never met and yet having read your beautiful tribute to your wife Dianne I became emotionally engaged in her life story! Coming from a white family, but growing up in the “underground” black community on Hamilton Road in London East , I always respected my neighbours. At one point as teenagers, we even formed a Rock & Roll band together called the “Dynamics”! Ironically as well my sisters name is also Dianne!
My prayers will be with you, your family and friends during Diannes memorial service in Exeter on the 15th.
My condolences to family and friends. Dee and I first met at Peel in the radio room and and the range. We became close friends, got to meet her family. Dave, you and I met at coffee with her and I knew you two belonged together. Before I left for OPC she decided she would keep an eye on me and be my God-Mum. We lost track for a while and reconnected around 2010, around the time you were going to deploy as CIVPOL. We almost met again as I was your training stand-in. Talking to Dee I got a picture of what she was going through and how amazing you have been. We got caught up, and we had planned to visit, regretfully that didn’t happen. I will always remember her smile, and the mischief she would get into. Lots of memories. I hope to meet you at the celebration of life in Chatham.
Hello,
My deepest condolences to you & your & Dianne’s family & friends.
Your tribute to Dianne is beautiful & filled with your love for her.
I too went to Paterson High School, but I don’t believe that we were in any classes together.
Many years ago, the muffler on my car dropped. but didn’t break off.
I was pulled off on the side of I75N, just before the exit onto I75S.
Many vehicles drove by me, but none stopped.
All of a sudden, I heard a man call out, “Hey!”.
I looked up to see 2 men running towards me, dodging traffic to get to my side of the road.
One of the men told me, pointing to their car, that his wife said, “That girl is Canadian. We have to help her”.
Yes, it was Dianne, whose name I immediately remembered.
You & your friend cut down my muffler, after you ran back to your car, dodging the cars on I75, both ways & then back to me & your friend who was waiting for me, again.
Thank you again for rescuing me.
I have never forgotten this incident & have told the story numerous times.
You & Dianne have obviously been a ‘well matched’, loving couple.
I wish you all the best.
~ Deb (Charette) Moisenko
Diane,
You were my question inspiration during my time at Peel Police. Thank you for being you and a great representative to our people. Thank you for being you. You will be missed and my heart goes out to your family. Thank you for giving me the courage every day to get up and face adversity. God bless you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your family. May your memories of good times keep you strong. Dianne was an amazing Officer and I had the privilege of being one of her dispatchers who looked forward to working with her
My memories are flowing of a beautiful, fun loving, greatly spirited childhood friend. We first connected on the basketball court, then track days, then rollerskating every chance we could. Di was a force of laughter and her presence wherever she went, was as big as life. Our birthdays, two days apart were often celebrated together. So much fun…
Your life sounds amazing, Di to no surprise. I am thinking of you and will never forget your friendship.
Peace, my dear and always, always, love…xxoo
I met Dianne in late 1988, at 12 Div, Peel Police, shortly after I was assigned there after completing Police College. Dianne would have been in the class before mine. I knew her fleetingly, but remember her friendly face and kind disposition. When I encountered her the few times that I did, I remember having great conversations with her, and that she was always open to engaging with people that she barely knew. My sincere condolences to David and her family. Dianne was a kind soul.
We are so sorry Dave. Diane’s eulogy is lovely depicting a remarkable lady and the love you shared. God has received a very special angel in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love your Saskatchewan cousins
Pat and Donna Suter
I met Dianne at Patterson I was in class with Cherie.She was so kind and personable not just to me but everyone at school. I always remember every time we spoke or interacted her smile was dazzeling her personality infectious. I always felt she left an indelible mark on anyone who had the privilege to have been associated with her.She will be missed not only by her family but by everyone she ever met.God bless her and her family in this trying time.
So sorry to hear of Dianne’s passing David! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Deepest and sincere condolences to Dee’s family and friends. I had the privilege of knowing her in those early years when we went to “lifeguard school” together and afterwards working as lifeguards at Windsor Parks & Recreation. Dee was truly a kind and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave and family.
Dave, Kristin and family;
This is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable woman. Sending my love and condolences,
Malinda and Bill Kellett
I first met Dianne in1989 after police college assigned to 12 Division. She was kind & professional welcoming me to the platoon. While we never got the opportunity to patrol together, her influence remained with me striving to always do the right thing in any given situation. Years later I recall sharing a bus ride to a police event, where we discussed the challenges facing the growing numbers of women entering the profession. What a wonderful tribute to a strong woman with a beautiful smile. Rest easy Dianne.
My sincerest condolences to David and family – rest in peace Dianne. Thank you for your service.
Oh my! Sincere condolences to Dianne’s loved ones. She was a lovely person years ago, when we met in college. I’ve never forgotten her though we never kept in touch. Just this evening a memory of her popped up and I decided to see if I could find her online. Sad to hear she has passed away, but happy that she led such a full life.
What an incredible woman, Dee always kind, gracious, resilient, strong, funny, witty, supportive, the list goes on… How grateful I am to have known such a beautiful woman and call her my friend. Dee’s service and legacy will go far beyond what any of us could ever know, imagine the many lives she has touched, the change & hope she brought. As we are both woman of faith, my I be bold to say that God would be very pleased with his Daughter Dianne. All that she brought to this World of ours. My heart goes out to you, friends, health care providers, her loving family, and most of all to the love of her life David. In gratitude to Dee, with love, Sandy Jones (& Jeff Charette)
What an amazing life and strong woman. My condolences to you Dave and the family.
Kristin and family- I am so sorry for your loss. What an incredible woman with a legacy that lives on in each of you. Sending all my love Kristin xoxo
David sorry for your loss.
Dennis Ripley
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Rest in Peace Dianne
You will be missed by many. Your reputation encourages people to push forward and do your best.
Sending my condolences to the family.