2022, Allenspark, CO, USA
Diana at the Neary Wedding
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I loved Diana for her great mind! Always interested in politics and never afraid to voice her opinion, even if wasn't the popular position of the discussion group. She was a delightful and knowledgeable conversationalist Of course, I loved her hospitality, great desserts, book recommendations and her wonderful smile and laugh. She could out walk me, much to my surprise.
I'm enclosing a poem I've been reading of late: loving the gone by sara rian. they do not die and become afterthoughts. they are the first thought. the thought that replays until we can fall asleep. there on our saddest days. in our happiest moments. through every mundane task. they have died but we did not. for as long as we breathe we think of them.
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One of the most fun things that Diana and I used to do was go to performances at the Kuumbwa Jazz club in Santa Cruz. We’d start out with a glass of champagne, then lots of giggles followed. Diana loved to watch the pianist’s fingers fly across the keys and wish she could play like that. We had so much fun together. I am missing her dearly as I know we all are.
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Diana and I met at one of the Alzheimer’s Support Group meetings about 8 years ago when both of us were struggling to find adequate support for our spouses, Chris and Grace respectively. With both of us living in the Seacliff Beach/Rio Del Mar area, we often encountered one another during our respective beach walks. Soon we began walking together commiserating about the difficulties each of us was dealing with. Occasionally one would offer a suggestion to the other, but mostly one spoke and the other listened.
It did not take long for the conversations during our “walk and talk” episodes to expand into other topics that interested us, including music, politics, literature, politics, art, politics, careers, politics, food, politics, home design, politics (remember, this was 2016-2017!), etc. As we all know, Diana was a person with wide interests and capabilities, so there was never a lack of material to discuss. I am still impressed with how much Diana knew about topics in a wide variety of disciplines and how well she articulated whatever piece of information or opinion she was communicating.
During the same time I began developing what has come to be a very close relationship with my friend and bro Steven. It was natural for the three of us to assemble over wine (Diana and me) or a shot of single malt (Steven). Gradually our group expanded and now consists of just under a dozen individuals brought together by one theme but held together by interests, love, and mutual support. During this time each of us individually and as a group have benefited from Diana’s love, support, and hospitality. We will all miss her generous spirit, her wonderful chocolate deserts, but mostly we will all miss Diana, a wonderful woman, our dear friend.
Mike Abbett
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Diana loved to celebrate. Whether it was a special occasion or "just because', she was always game. And if there was bubbly, it was all the better.
Diana was the instigator and generous hostess of happy hours on her beautiful patio for a small group of us who became acquainted through an Alzheimer's Association caregiver support group. Her very comfortable (heated!) outdoor space was the perfect venue during and after covid.
Many of our events were birthday celebrations and Diana always insisted on preparing the dessert. In fact, she would usually make two desserts, one always being chocolate. An unforgettable delight that she made for me one time was an ice cream mud pie made from scratch. It was impossibly delicious.
Our gatherings will never be the same without Diana's stories, humor, political commentary, and dessert. She is deeply missed.
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Diana was the ultimate friend. She offered support when needed. She researched and found resources that made a difference in our lives. She was always positive.
Together we searched for the best breakfast restaurant, the best pizza and the perfect plant for the garden.
Diana was a scholar in home design, landscaping, real estate, books, health, exercise and so much more. She volunteered with so many organizations and also volunteered weekly to help Stan and I.
She will be forever in our hearts,
Elaine and Stan Love
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Memories
You are gone
but thank you
for all these soft sweet things
you have left behind
in my home,
in my head
in my heart
Author unknown
She made the best berry custard tarts for my birthdays
So many "happy hours" on her patio with friends watching the sunset
Her many attempts to turn me into a gardener!
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2019, Rio del Mar, CA, USA
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I saw the sides of Diana that were kind vulnerable, generous, talented, sincere and loving. She made the best cookies and brownies, and got me hooked on a great recipe for energy bars. Deep condolences to her family and all who hold her in their hearts, as I do.
1
Diana showed me how strong and independent a woman can be. She was a great example and an even better aunt. I miss her so much.
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Sorry for your loss, Diana was a lovely person. I enjoyed a few hikes with her when she visited her sister in Colorado.
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