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Sparwood’s Momma Di a mother to many

The Free Press competition winner revealed; plus Mother’s Day around the Valley
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Diana Anderson was chosen as the winner of The Free Press’ Mother’s Day Contest. She is pictured with her daughter Tiffany. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

On Sunday, mothers around the world were celebrated for their selfless sacrifices and never-ending devotion.

In the Elk Valley, one mother in particular stood out. In Sparwood, she’s a mother to many.

Throughout the years, Diana Anderson, also known as “Momma Di”, ensured that not only her own three children had full bellies, but also many other kids around the area.

She has since “adopted” many of her children’s friends, as well as their children, whom she calls her grandchildren.

“I’ve got lots of kids out there,” Anderson said laughing. “We always had a houseful – our house was the checkpoint.”

Anderson was raised in a traditional household, which she described as very different from nowadays. Growing up, quality outside time was encouraged for everyone and this is a tradition that has been passed down to her grandchildren.

“I’m just like her, family’s first, everything else is second on the list,” said Anderson, speaking about her own mother.

“She always made sure we were clothed and fed, and tried to do as many family things as possible. Of course, with four kids, both parents worked. Like nowadays. Supper was always on the table every day and you were there.”

This tradition of eating dinner together has continued as well.

Anderson said the most important attribute of a mother is to be there for your kids; always support them, always have time for them.

The Andersons always look forward to Christmastime when their entire family gathers together. Their family has grown so large that they have had to expand to eat at two eight-foot tables in the garage. The work bench becomes the buffet line.

“But that’s the way it’s supposed to be, no one can be alone, no one can be hungry,” she said.

As with all families, the road of life is rarely smooth. Anderson said the hardest part about being a mother is seeing your kids hurt. From day one, they have battled medical difficulties and overcome them together.

“When it comes to family fights or anything, no matter what, in the end we’re family. We always get back together. We’re a strong family that… family values are number one,” said daughter Tiffany.

Diana Anderson was selected as the winner of our Mother’s Day contest. She won a cut and style by You’re Worth It, two tickets to the Cirque Mother’s Day Brunch courtesy of Fernie Alpine Resort, as well as delicious treats provided by Rocky Mtn. Chocolate - Fernie.

The Free Press thanks all those who nominated their mothers. We received some great submissions. There’s a lot of wonderful mothers in this Valley!

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at The Free Press and thank you to Fernie Alpine Resort, You’re Worth It, and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for helping to recognize our “super moms”.

Nomination by daughter Tiffany:

My mom, Diana Anderson, is the most amazing, loving, caring person out there. She not only drops and does anything for her children, family and loved ones. She does it for any person she meets.

Growing up, friends loved coming over. Mom made sure all of our friends were taken care of. We always had full bellies, rides, trips and sleepovers. She was at every sports game, school concert and so on. She supported not only her kids, all our friends as well and cheered us all on. She’s known as “Momma Di”. Not only friends and family call her that, locals around Sparwood as well call her Momma Di.

Now as adults, it still continues. She has “adopted” many of our friends and their children, and calls them her kids and grandkids. They all get gifts for holidays like we do.

Family meals, holiday meals, everyone is invited to my parents. We have had to move our dinners into the garage because we have so many people who join.

My mom thinks of others and never ever thinks of herself. She is my idol and I’d do anything just to be like her. She is a true superhero. She gives her time to anything and anyone, and doesn’t expect nothing in return.

She deserves the world and we all will always try, and do our best to give it to her. She spent her whole life caring for everything and now, it’s her turn.

Diana Anderson is a real life superhero.

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Sparwood couple Sarah and Robert Dunn spent Mother’s Day eating ice-cream and playing in Rotary Park with their son Cole, 1. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press
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Sparwood mom Toni Zambalatti with daughter Brynlee Friesen, 2, at Rotary Park on Sunday. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press
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Angela and Bodan Quinn enjoyed a morning bike ride along the Elk River on Sunday. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press


Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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