Our beloved Diane Lee [Jones] Weissmuller departed her earthly journey on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at San Francisco General Hospital. She passed away peacefully with her son by her side at 79 years old.

Born May 25, 1942 in the small town of Grant, Nebraska to Walter and Leola Jones, Diane loved life on the ranch – she was a spirited rider who loved to race across the wheat fields wearing her Bugs Bunny t-shirt, blue jeans and cowgirl boots, on her horse Golden Girl. She graduated from Stephen’s College with an Associate in Arts degree, and went on to attend Nebraska State where she studied Business and English. Diane married Richard Carlson and had one child: Blake Jones. After the two divorced, Diane met and married Larry Johnson, with whom she had another son: Chad Johnson. By 1972, Diane moved to California where she met her fourth husband, Johnny Weismuller, Jr. Johnny had a daughter from a previous marriage, Heidi, who Diane embraced as her own.

People say the fourth time’s a boon for a very good reason, and nowhere was that more evident than in the union between Diane and Johnny. They were meant for each other and the strength of their union was spectacularly self-evident. Everywhere the pair alit, the world sparked a good bit brighter. The Weissmullers loved being together and shared joy in sailing and traveling the world. They especially enjoyed their time in Honolulu and Acapulco. Their marriage lasted 27 years and it was the love of both of their lives before John preceded her in death in 2006.

As a recipient of a liver transplant in 1992, Diane’s new lease on life impassioned her with the desire to help others going through the process. For nearly 3 decades she was a loyal support group volunteer with Sutter CPMC’s Liver Transplant Service, leading near-weekly sessions. She supported hundreds of patients and their families, taking calls at all hours of the day and night, with her direct, yet kind, advice and counsel.

Diane also made it her mission to care for the sick and in-need through her work with the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. While CLJ Hospitaller, serving on the Organ and Tissue Donation Committee, she helped to raise and distribute funds for those with Hansen’s Disease. She also introduced fundraising and distribution for transplantation; and was instrumental toward establishing a successful Legacy Program.

Diane was a well respected and cherished friend to many. She left an indelible mark on all who met her. She was a force to be reckoned with when it came to the truth and ethical behavior of those in positions of power, always advocating and keeping a watchful eye for those who are most in need. To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. Diane is survived by “her fine boys” Blake Jones and Chad Johnson, step daughter Heidi [Zach] Medsker, grandchildren Drew and Grace Johnson, as well as an extensive network of extended family and wonderful friends. Two very special people in her life were Paul Garcia – a life-long pal and hairdresser extraordinaire; and Allene Gates, Johnny Weissmuller Sr’s fourth wife, who Diane considered a mother figure in her own life.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and cards, memories be shared on the MEMORIES TAB. If inclined, please direct donations to the CPMC Foundation or The Order of Saint Lazarus.

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