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In memory of
Diane Miller Bessell
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Diane's obituary
Diane Miller Bessell, 83, died September 11 at Villa Marin Retirement Community in San Rafael, California where she had been living with her husband, Dr. Norris C. Clement. Born and raised in New York City, Diane was active in theatre, art and music. In high school she participated in an AFS student exchange program and spent a summer in Germany, an experience that dramatically changed her view of the world and inspired her to become “a citizen of the world”.
She attended Connecticut College and majored in Political Science and was active in an a cappella singing group called, “The Shwiffs”. After college she traveled briefly and then returned to NYC where she worked in real estate for a while then moved to a position in the financial services organization TIAA-CREF.
In 1974 she and her husband of that time, Peter Bessell, came to California and bought a small business on the beach in Oceanside where she lived until 2000 (he died in 1985). During that period she served many years as an elected trustee on the
Mira Costa Community College Board and was active in statewide community college activities.
In 1997 she met Norris Clement, Professor of Economics at San Diego State University, and for several years they traveled together nationally and internationally in conjunction with his functions at SDSU. In 2000 they both retired and moved to Sausalito where he returned to his roots as a jazz pianist and she began to sing with him and eventually joined him on commercial gigs. At this time she also began painting and eventually exhibiting.
In 2006 Norris and Diane bought a lovely home on Salt Spring Island, British Colombia and for six years they spent 6 months each year residing there, participating in the island’s rich culture – “the best place we ever lived”. Diane participated in music and art events and organizations and grew a “green thumb” after spending many hours tending her garden. Health issues and the birth of grandchildren in California drove them back to Sausalito in 2012, but in 2013 they bought a home in the Wine Country where they lived part time for 2 years. Diane’s battle with COPD led them to move into Villa Marin in 2016 where they participated extensively in the community’s cultural life making various musical presentations.
Diane saw herself as a “progressive”, embracing environmental, right to choose, social and economic justice movements as well as the role of science and a free press in upholding democratic institutions. Others saw her as a beautiful, intelligent, talented and compassionate woman.
At some time in the future there will be a virtual celebration of her life. Donations in her name can be made to Environmental Defense Fund at: edf.org/tributegifts
Diane is survived by her husband, Norris Clement; her brother, Jesse Colin Young;
sister–in– law, Connie Young; nieces: Juli Young and Jasmine Young; nephews, Cheyenne Young and Tristan Young; stepchildren, Paul Bessell and Paula
Boughton, and step-grandchild, Daisy Bessell, of the U.K.
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Created with love by
Norris Clement (Diane's spouse).
