HAUSER, Diana (Mitzi)
1943 - 2024
Diana (Mitzi) Hauser (nee Fancott)
January 4, 1943, the delivery nurse presented Diana as “Darling Mitzi” to her mother and Mitzi was the name she became known as throughout her long and well-lived life.
On December 20, 2024, with her family by her side, Mitzi made a gentle and peaceful exit upstage right. Left to applaud her light and mourn her passing are her beloved daughters, Lisa Hauser and Julie Jones (David); cherished grandsons Samuel, Wesley, and Quentin Jones; brothers David and Stephen Fancott; nephews and nieces; and former husband Jo Hauser.
Mitzi was predeceased by her much-loved friend and partner, Del Mackenzie. They shared a warm and whimsical sense of humor and a mutual passion for theatre and the arts.
Mitzi will be fondly remembered by her music and dance community friends, her Ottawa South neighbours of 50 years, and her co-workers at the Museum of Science and Technology. It is here she worked for many years on outreach, education, and multiple museum exhibits.
As the daughter of the late Ted (William) and Florence Fancott, leading lights in Ottawa’s local theatre scene since their arrival from Britain in 1949, Mitzi’s passion for theatre seemed foreordained. Her acting was honed early, performing as a child at the Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) and OLT’s Children’s Theatre. Then later with the Lisgar’s Collegiate Drama Club, Carleton’s Sock and Buskin, and Orpheus Music Theatre. She joined the Canadian Actors Equity and performed professionally with the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) for many years, including crossing Canada with their touring shows Sandinista and Side Effects.
Mitzi was also a founding member and enthusiastic volunteer with the Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) and a member of the Ottawa Little Theatre Archive Committee. Many hours were committed to cataloguing more than 100 years of the OLT’s history, including honoring her late parents’ contributions.
Mitzi maintained a fervent interest in Ottawa cultural scene and supported local arts and artists. She was passionate about dance and contributed many choreographies to OLT and beyond. In her later years, she danced with Ottawa Contra Dance, the International Folk Dancers of Ottawa (IFDO), and the Ottawa Swing Dance Society. She could also be heard playing the tin whistle with a local group called “Stolen Goods”.
Lisa and Julie’s mum was always caring and giving. She would do anything for her daughters and grandsons and always put her loved ones first. They remember many years at Gull Lake canoeing, sailing, cross-country skiing, and exploring. She made sure every day was exciting and special for everyone when spending time together.
Mitzi is remembered for her love of family and friends, sense of humour, curiosity about the world, her talent, grace and innate classiness. Her courage shone in the face of serious illness and she met the challenges with optimism and an infectious smile.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming months to honour and remember Mitzi.
Information to be posted via Facebook @MitziHauser
