Judy A. Hinton (Spence)

I am one of many of us who have had the privilege of Dianna’s friendship since kindergarten. 

Over the years we’ve shared so many memorable times together, many hysterical, that I will treasure forever.  The repeated theme in everyone’s response to this news is what a good friend she was to all, what a warrior, what a sense of humor, she was all of that and more.

We saw each other as much as possible over these last few years, texted or talked every few weeks. During these last 4yrs with all the on going treatment, side effects, she faced them all head on with humor & laughter. I remember when her hair started coming back in after chemo, it was dark brown & curly, not her previous redish/blonde color, she was describing to me over the phone, & she said “think pubic”. .   I am convinced that her attitude, her support group of love from her husband, family, & countless friends is what got her through these 4+yrs.

So my dear friend I know you are pain free & lighting up heaven with your smile & laugh.  You are loved by so many & will be missed so much.. thanks for all the years of friendship & love.

Love you

Judy

Judith Kathryn Gain

Dianna was a bright light in all of our lives.  She reached out to me and encouraged me to attend our 50th reunion which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is with a great deal of sadness that I have followed her brave battle with cancer and glad that she is now at peace.

Kathleen D. Shea

Valarie E. Butcher (Martin)

It makes me sad to think of world without Diana.  My sincere condolences to Diana’s family. I’m pretty sure are all who knew her felt part of her family, no matter how infrequent or casual the contact. I have wonderful memories of her friendship at CHS. Though our post-graduation communications were largely related to reunions and we shared time at the 50th Homecoming, she always treated me like a valued friend. Her dedication, kindness, humor, grace and caring nature are a treasured memory for me and are a life-long gift to all who knew her. Bless you, Diana.

Kathleen Dettweiler (Proffit)

Dianna was the funniest person I ever met.  I always looked forward to being with her because I knew we would laugh.  She could make any event a party, whether it was climbing on the rock pile behind her house or discussing our goals in life.  Thank you for so many wonderful memories, Dianna.  You lit up my life. 

Daniel S. Schafer

Dianna is gone, and we are much worse off for it.  Like many of you members of the Claremont public school “Old Guard”, I knew Dianna since kindergarten and traveled that rocky growing up road with her until CHS graduation.  Our connection started with her poking me in the back during the kindergarten class photo and resulted in me pulling her pigtails (or maybe it was the other way around?).  Anyway, we obviously liked each other!  By 4^th grade (Miss Petersen’s class) I was madly in love with her, a funny cute redheaded blue-eyed girl, what was not to love?  We exchanged valentines and photos (see photo, which I still have).  Although by graduation she had developed into a beautiful young woman, the 4^th grade photo is still my favorite of her.  Her sophisticated sweater and scarf can’t hide that mischievous look she has.

We kept in touch over the years, and would see each other occasionally especially when in later life, she moved close to me in Laguna Beach and then Corona del Mar.  During her first round of recovering at home in CDM from breast cancer she mentioned on the phone how she would kill for an In-N-Out burger.  Well, there was one close to me, so I jumped into the car, bought 2 meals and raced to CDM.  We sat on her patio in the sun (with ocean view!) and enjoyed our slightly warm burgers and fries.  We had a great time even though she wasn’t feeling well…as usual, she was all smiles and laughter.  She fought on for 4 long miserable years against cancer, but always managed to keep her humor.  She was one of the nicest and bravest people I’ve ever known, a real trooper.  I will always fondly remember her and miss her.

Elaine Froeberg (West)

The news of Dianna's passing brought sadness to my heart.  No wonder the world seems more somber now that her humor no longer fills the air.

I vividly remember, as a member of the yearbook staff, searching over possible quotes to attach to classmates' pictures.  Our efforts ranged from great to inappropriate.  When someone read, "She was born silly and had a relapse!", laughter erupted from each of us. We knew immediately that was Dianna's quote.  It fit her to a T!

Thank you, Dianna, for all the silly relapses which made our wolrd a better place.  May the joy and laughter never end!

Paul D. Schenck

I am sad. My sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the family. I got know Diana, as a paperboy. Turevay[?] ,Diana's dog chased me day after day. Diana was apologetic but seemed

to enjoy the scene, Diana reminded me at 55 year union.

Susan E. Files

What a privilege it has been to be Dianna's friend since I first came to Claremont in 8th grade.  We hung out together in school and became even closer over all the years since then.  Dianna was a great friend and the funniest person I knew.  How much fun we had together!  I cherish all the memories of our times together.  What a gift having her in my life.  I miss her, but when I think of her, I smile- reliving the fun and laughter we shared.

Barbara E. Waldman

I did not know Diana well but at our last reunion, we shared war stories about our experiences of dealing with the treatment of breast cancer.  It had been a long time since I had laughed that hard!  I was reminded of her warmth, humor, and indomitable spirit.  In reading the comments from our classmates I am struck by how many lives she touched and how many were changed forever by knowing her.    May she rest in the freedom of pain, and may her memory be a blessing to all that knew her.