Diane Jordan, aged 82, of Naples, Florida, passed away on July 30th after battling Leukemia, surrounded by her family. Diane was born in Huntington, Long Island, New York, to David and Emily Goldblum, and she was the oldest of five siblings. Growing up in the early fifties, Diane was likely a founding member of the bobby sock club. She had a passion for gymnastics and was a cheerleader throughout high school, often sporting her bobby socks. As the fashion trend faded, Diane decided to change her surroundings and attended SUNY Oswego Teachers College. During that time, there were only two career options for her, teaching or nursing, and she chose teaching, which greatly benefited her students. However, the question of "what could I have been?" haunted her. Although she may not have fully understood it, we, her family, believe that she found her true calling, even if it was not her career.

At SUNY Oswego, Diane met and married Robert "Mac" McKinstry, and together they had two children, Robert Carlin McKinstry III and Kelli McKinstry Woelfel. Diane began her lifelong journey of overcoming challenges and refusing to let anything hinder her from achieving her goals. She gave birth to her son while completing her degree and went on to teach primarily fourth grade, instilling her passion for learning and growth in her students. She spent most of her teaching career in Hyde Park, New York, where she settled as a single parent to raise her two children. Despite teaching full-time, working second jobs during nights and weekends, and earning two master's degrees, Diane never took "no" for an answer. She was a force to be reckoned with and was supported by amazing friends in Hyde Park who were a critical part of her team. Before leaving Hyde Park, Diane left her mark by writing and securing approval for a Federal Grant to establish the Gifted and Talented program for the school district.

Diane later transitioned to a career in sales and moved to Avon, Connecticut, in the early 80s. Anyone who knew Diane could attest to her remarkable selling skills. She could sell anything, even things that no one else would buy, such as an early “portable computer" known as the Osbourne 1. Although the product did not succeed, Diane herself thrived and found a way to help others improve. This was her son's first exposure to technology and sparked his love for it. From selling medical supplies and uniforms to discovering her talent for design, Diane found her true calling in creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether it was designing clients' closets, improving spaces at Harvard Medical School, or transforming her own and her loved ones' homes, she took great pride in her work. As a perfectionist, she never settled for anything less than perfection.

In Connecticut, Diane met and married Richard "Dick" Jordan. Although she may have been initially hesitant to let someone into her life who may not support her "I can do it" approach, Dick's persistence prevailed. They married after he proposed six times because he understood and appreciated her unwavering determination. This second phase of Diane's life brought incredible adventures. Diane and Dick moved overseas, living in England (twice), Hong Kong, and Holland. Diane loved to travel, especially when sharing the experience with her friends and family. They brought Diane's mother to visit Italy, embarked on numerous trips with friends, and even toured London and Paris with their grandchildren. Italy remained their favorite destination, and they never tired of sharing the beauty of the country with loved ones.

Dick and Diane eventually settled in Branford, Connecticut and actively participated in the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club. They enjoyed golfing and socializing with newfound friends that they deeply cherished. While living in Connecticut, Diane and Dick began their annual winter trips to Naples, Florida. Diane brought her perfectionism to entertaining and forming lasting friendships while in Florida. She started a weekly bridge group at her home, lovingly called "The Bridge Babes." The club grew to include 4-5 tables of women who played, connected, and became close friends. Even today, they continue to meet monthly to catch up whenever possible. This was another remarkable legacy of Diane's ability to bring people together, a talent that she perhaps never fully realized.

Diane adored her family and created wonderful traditions and memories with them. She and Dick moved to Massachusetts to be closer to their grandchildren and built a remarkable family home on a lake, where they hosted and entertained not only their own family but also their friends. Diane loved throwing parties at the lake, and everyone was warmly welcomed, encouraged to bring their friends along. Countless memories and new friendships were formed during this stage of her life.

Diane lived by the motto "I can do it" until her last breath. In 2021, after being diagnosed with Leukemia, Diane set goals for herself that she was determined to achieve. She wanted to witness two of her grandchildren graduate, one from high school and the other from college, and live long enough to see another grandchild get married. These goals served as her driving force. Despite doctors' advice to take it one day at a time, Diane refused to accept limitations. She continuously looked towards the future and relentlessly pursued what she wanted. Although her attitude could be frustrating and unrealistic at times, it kept her going until the very end.

Diane had a deep love for learning and was dedicated to constantly improving herself and her surroundings. However, nothing was more important to her than her family. Spending time together, cheering them on as they pursued their passions and staying updated on their lives brought her immense joy in her final years.

Diane is survived by her husband, Richard Jordan; her children, Robert McKinstry (Kelly Botteron) and his children Meagan McKinstry and Katie McKinstry (Brian Myers) and his step children Lauren, Sarah and Haley; her daughter Kelli Woelfel (Mark) and their children, Bryan and Caroline Woelfel; her stepchildren, Scott Jordan (Erin Miller) and their children Cole and Lauren; Debbie Garrity and her children Emma, Amelia and Charlie; her brother, Philip Goldblum (Judy), sister Pamela Rosenfeld (Marc) and her brother David, for whom she had a special place in her heart, along with his children Wesley Goldblum, and Emily Goldblum Decicco (Liana) and their daughters Adeline and Lucienne.

Her brother Jeffrey passed away earlier this summer. Also she is survived by many nieces, nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews that were very special to her.

A memorial service will be held in the fall or winter. Donations can be made on Diane’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Dana Farber cancer institute. 

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