Diann Cullen, a woman who was always up for an adventure and had a penchant for storytelling, left us suddenly on July 11th; managing to overshadow her daughter-in-law’s birthday with her grand exit. Born in Chicora, PA on the 16th of September 1949, Diann was the daughter of Vic and Ethel O’Donnell, two people who surely had no idea what they were in for.

A proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, Diann’s academic achievements were soon eclipsed by her military exploits. She joined the Army, starting as enlisted before earning her commission as an officer. During her service, she was pushed, walked, and jumped out of planes, proving that gravity had nothing on her spirit.

Her career was as eclectic as her personality. From 2000 to 2005ish, she ruled as the in-school suspension supervisor at Cheyenne Mountain High School, earning accolades such as “the worst day of school in my life.” She later found her true calling as a librarian, serving at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Diann was a passionate collector of esoterica. She claimed to have invented the scrunchy and revolutionized tipping etiquette by drawing smiley faces on receipts. Diann also enjoyed working with fiber, including cross stitching, needlepoint, and quilting, creating intricate designs that adorned her home.

Diann’s four sons and granddaughter were her greatest pride and joy. She loved them deeply and was incredibly proud of each one. She was willing to do nearly anything for their happiness and success. Her love for them was boundless, and her pride in their achievements was immeasurable.

Preceded in death by her parents and her brother Melvin, Diann is survived by her siblings Bud, Duane, Raylene, Marian, David, and Rodney. Her legacy is carried on by her sons: Matt, his wife Dara, and their daughter Olive; Nate; Zach and his girlfriend Lisa; and Peter and his wife Caitrin.

Diann Cullen lived a life full of adventure, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and the world is certainly a duller place without her.

Rest in peace, Diann. May your next adventure be as wild and wonderful as the life you lived.

Her funeral will take place on the 16th of August at Immaculate Conception in Lafayette, CO. The rosary will begin at 10:30 am and the funeral begins at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to One Nation Walking Together at https://www.onenationwt.org/ or the Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance at https://www.gyncancercolorado….

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