Diana Jean Barnhart, of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, died on August 20, 2024. She was 76 years old. She was born February 25, 1948 in Martinsburg, West Virginia to parents Harold and Jean Britner. She is survived by her husband, Rodney J. Barnhart, her daughter, Emily J. Barnhart, and Emily’s partner Doug Sorensen.

She grew up in Hatboro-Horsham, Pennsylvania where she met her high school sweetheart and husband of 55 years. Together they shared a lifelong connection and love of music and performance.

She studied music at Temple University. While she worked in annuities at Penn Mutual, her true and lifelong career was as a Soprano Soloist. She had an extensive career singing and teaching students. She performed recital concerts of curated art songs. She loved travel, particularly in combination with singing. As a soprano in many choirs she traveled the world from the former Soviet Union, to England, to Australia and throughout the United States.

As a nurturer of music and musical talent, she co-founded the Diana Barnhart American Song Conference with her long-time friend and musical collaborator Raymond Johnson. Throughout nearly a decade, the Conference provided composers a venue to submit pieces for competition and performance.

Her family and friends will miss her ease of conversation, joy and pleasurable countenance. Condolences may be sent to Rodney at Rydal Park: 1515 The Fairway, Apt. 111, Jenkintown, PA 19046.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. and memorial service at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 120 North Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Montgomery County S.P.C.A., 19 E. Ridge Pike, PO Box 222, Conshohocken, PA 19428-0222. Alternatively, donations may be made to
Settlement Music School, attention: Amelia Schmertz, Chief Advancement Officer, PO Box 63966, Philadelphia, PA 19147-3966.

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