Our hearts are broken with the loss of our wife, sister, aunt and friend, Mary Diane (nee Hart) Hadley. Known by all as Diane, or simply just "Di", she was born in Boylston, to a large loving family of ten children, on July 21, 1950 to the late Earle and Jean Hart. It was immediately evident from a young age that Diane had three innate qualities that would last a lifetime: a loving gentle soul; an adventurous spirit; and a love of animals. That adventurous spirit saw her leave home, for a few years, to live and work in Halifax and Calgary but returned to Boylston in 1972 to build her life. And what a life it was! She followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a teacher at GMHS for 19 years. Like all things in her life she gave her all to teaching. She was devoted to her students and was so happy when they succeeded, not only academically, but personally. She kept in touch with many of them even after graduation. Not only was Diane a teacher to her students but also to all who knew her. She taught us all by example how to laugh, be creative, have fun, to find happiness in the little things, to be kind and generous, and her last teaching moment to be courageous and be brave. In 1975 she married the love of her life, Shawn Hadley. In some respects, they seemed polar opposites but on the important points they were always in sync. They travelled, spent time at their camp, and their trailer at the beach. They raised many fur babies and especially loved their black labs who were truly their children. Diane forged many special friendships, including the "Waah Girls" that she lived with in Halifax and Calgary. They became lifelong friends that made a commitment to have an annual reunion that has gone on for over 40 years - a weekend or longer with all of them together filled with laughter and fun. That same adventurous spirit would see Diane become a world traveller; always seeking adventure and exploring a new path wherever she went. She travelled many continents, exploring as many of the off the beaten paths as she could with friends and family including an African Safari with her husband Shawn, and a Machu Picchu exploration to Peru with her brother Jack. Her last trip was to NYC with her sister Audrey, Niece Cindy, and Great Niece Lauren just days before our entire world was put on lock down with the COVID 19 pandemic. Diane always offered the best advice and always knew what to say to make you feel better; to be in her mere presence was soothing and reassuring. She was generous with her praise and always offered a kind word and her gorgeous smile to everyone she encountered. She loved laughter, music, good food, good wine, cute shoes and could put an outfit together and look fabulous. But most of all she loved the people she surrounded herself with and we will adore her forever. Although Diane did not have children of her own, to many of her nieces and nephews, she was a second mother. Her unwavering love, support and guidance were such a gift and will remain a cherished memory. Diane is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Shawn, four-paws best friend and fur baby, Murphy "Murphina"; sister Audrey (Sidney) MacPherson, Manchester; brothers Jack (Regina) Hart, Guysborough; Kevin (Brenda) Hart, Alberta. She was predeceased by brothers Eric, David, Gerald, Bobby, Hazen, and sister Donna. Special thanks to Dr. Barb Bell, Allison Nickerson and the Palliative Care Team at Guysborough Memorial Hospital, and Carmel Long with Continuing Care for all their compassionate care. Donations may be made to the Guysborough Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Foundation. Service to be held at a later date due to Covid-19. This is a life. This is a life well lived. This is a life well loved. This is a life that encouraged, touched, taught and inspired so many. This is a life that ended too soon. This is a life that will never be forgoten.