A service will be held March 12 for a passionate advocate of public education and former Langley school trustee who passed away last October.
Diane Pona, a school trustee for 12 years, was 66.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, at 2 p.m. at the Steelworkers Hall, 202-9290 200 St.
During Pona’s time on the board of education, she was an advocate for all students, especially kids at risk and for Aboriginal education.
She was involved in the community for many years before that, serving on her daughters’ school PACs and the District PAC.
When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease she organized the Langley Parkinson Support Group.
She is the mother of former school trustee Candy Ashdown, who said her mom was her inspiration for running for office.
Pona also helped with other campaigns, like trustee Megan Dykeman’s, helping advise them. Pona was honoured and remembered at a recent board of education meeting.
She is survived by Lyle, her husband of 47 years, daughters Ashdown and Nikki Hay, three granddaughters, two sisters and many more family members. In lieu of flowers and cards, her family requests donations be made in tribute to Diane to the Parkinson’s Society of B.C.