Wendy Margot Banta, August 12, 1942 – February 18, 2026

We are saddened to announce the passing of Wendy Margot McDiarmid after a brief illness. Wendy was born in Victoria, August 12, 1942, to Harold McDiarmid and Margot McDiarmid and grew up in Salmon Arm with her three younger brothers: Ian, Richard, and Harold (Greg) McDiarmid. She eventually moved to Smithers, BC, where she raised her children, Trevor Juby, Susan Juby, Aaron Banta, and Scott Banta. Wendy loved walking and hiking and was a passionate reader, a skilled gardener, and a wonderful cook, though she would never admit to any of it. She moved to Nanaimo, BC, to be closer to two of her adult children and her granddaughter. She immediately joined a full slate of senior fitness classes, volunteered at the Port Theatre, the community garden, and at Literacy Nanaimo. Wendy had a rare gift for friendship and her circle ran wide and deep. It included people of all ages and from all walks of life. Her passing has left a hole in many lives and she is deeply missed by her brother, Ian McDiarmid, her sisters-in-law, her children’s partners, her nieces and nephews, and her children. Her most important relationship in later life was with her granddaughter, Emily. Wendy was not one of those mothers who was constantly advocating for grandchildren, but when she got one, she made the absolute most of it. Wendy is predeceased by her beloved brothers: Richard McDiarmid and Greg McDiarmid. We like to think they are all sitting on a porch somewhere, eating buttered corn on the cob, straight from the garden, as they did as kids growing up in Salmon Arm, and enjoying a fine old gossip. Donations in Wendy’s name can be made to Literacy Nanaimo or Nanaimo’s Palliative Care unit.

• Date : 2026-02-18
• Location : Nanaimo, BC