Obituary of Diane Agnes Perry

Diane Agnes (Clyburne) Perry, 81, New Glasgow, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by her family.

Born in Thorburn, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Lilford and Mary Ann (Rector) MacAulay. She and her late husband, Bob, raised seven children until his passing in 1984, when Diane entered the workforce. She was employed for many years with the former Westside Drive-in where she was famous for her chocolate cakes with boiled frosting. Most important to Diane was her family, she selflessly cared for each one of them and those who adopted her as their “second mom” or “Nanny Wednesday”. Her homemade goodies, especially her homemade bread and rolls were eagerly anticipated by her “community family”. Diane has been described as “everyone’s safe haven”.  She is best described by her family as “the kind of woman who never let you leave without a hug. Making sure you always carried a little piece of her warmth with you.” After Bob’s passing, Diane eventually found her second love, Buck. They grew old together, cherishing each moment spent with each other, playing Bingo, scratching Platinum tickets and spending time with their large, blended family. She was a member of Trenton Church of the Nazarene and possessed a strong faith in her Lord. 

Surviving are her husband, Philip Robert “Buck” Perry; son, Robert “Bobby” (Michelle) Clyburne, Pictou Landing; daughters, Nancy Patterson, Priestville; Mary (David) Jordan, Walkerville; Jessie Clyburne, Trenton; Debbie (Roger) Wiliams, Pugwash;  Sharon (Brent) Cameron, Westville; step-sons, Bobby (Michelle) Perry, Trenton; Pat (Michelle) Perry, Hamilton, Ont.; Phillip Perry, New Glasgow; sisters, May MacDonald, MacLellan’s Mountain; Helen (Lloyd) MacKinnon, Port Colborne, Ont.; Jean (David) Thomas, Ontario; brother, John (Darlene) MacAulay, Walkerville; brother-in-law, Robert Howe, Riverview, N.B.;  30 grandchildren;   many great-grandchildren; a great, great-granddaughter; many numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Rexton Clyburne; daughter, Barbara “Barbie” Clyburne; sons-in-law, Wesley O’Connor, Danny Steeves and Jimmy Lewis; sisters, Annie Tibbo, Jessie Terris, Bessie Howe, Carol  Rector, Jean and Louise in infancy; brothers, Hugh MacAulay, Clarence “Bud” MacAulay, Herb MacAulay, David MacLellan, Vernon MacLellan and Bobby Wong; sisters-in-law, Irene MacAulay, Joan MacAulay and Barb MacAulay; brothers-in-law, Basil Tibbo and Edward Terris.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19 in the chapel with Rev. Osmel Poso officiating.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Diane’s memory for the care of her late daughter Barbie’s children.

“Diane’s family sends a massive thank you to the staff at the Aberdeen Hospital. From the ER, to 4th and Palliative every staff member there treated her like she was their own. Taking the time to explain every step of the way to our family, allowing space for our massive crowd of loving family members, even going as far as to provide us snacks, pillows, blankets and places to sleep. You have each made a mark on our family that will never be forgotten. You have the hearts for this job and made all the difference for our family in what has been some of the hardest days of our lives. From kitchen staff, nurses, doctors and even anesthesiologist, your compassion and patience with us has made a lasting impression. Special shoutouts to Jeremy, Tanya, Sebastian, Sandra, Koi and Angela from 4^th and the wonderful Valley View Villa staff where she resided the past six weeks. Diane deeply appreciated Dr. Spencer Barclay, her longtime physican.  His home visits, care and concern helped beyond words.

Sincerely, thank you, our hearts are broken, but even still, they are a little more full because of you.” - Diane’s family.

For funeral service livestream, please click HERE