Diane Marie Orvis (nee Monaco), 81, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025 after a courageous year-long fight against cancer. A resident of Rancho Bernardo for more than 50 years, she embodied the American dream, where a can-do spirit, perseverance, and love of family became the foundation of a life well-lived.

Diane was born in Montclair, New Jersey in 1943. A proud, first-generation American, she was raised by her single-parent mother and grandmother in the largely Italian-American community. After graduation from Montclair High School, she attended Newark State College (now Kean University), majoring in English and graduating with honors. She then pursued and completed graduate studies at The University of Florida with a master’s degree in education and finished with an Ed.S.

At Florida, she met Douglas Orvis, a graduate student in Nuclear Engineering, and they married in 1968. After a couple stops along the way, including Pennsylvania where they had two kids, they ultimately planted roots in Rancho Bernardo in 1974. Diane was active in the community, holding leadership positions in the Westwood PTA and remaining active in several community organizations well into her 70s.

Diane's humble upbringing taught her the importance of hard work. She had primarily two careers after moving to San Diego: she worked as a substance abuse counselor for Episcopal Community Services before obtaining her real estate license in 1982. Diane never looked back, becoming one of the most well-regarded and respected agents among real estate agents in San Diego’s North County. She did not view herself as a salesperson; she saw herself as a trusted advisor, a role much like that from her counseling background. She loved the opportunity to serve families all over the county, but especially within her beloved community.

Diane's true passion, however, was her family. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, children, and grandchildren enjoying trips as close as Catalina Island or as far away as Croatia, Iceland, and safari in Africa. She viewed each adventure as a chance to be with those she loved the most, creating memories for every generation. Beyond travel, she was often an eager host who loved to cook, gather with those close to her, and celebrate life’s special moments.

Diane is survived by her children, Douglas Orvis II (Candis), Megan Orvis Morris, and her grandchildren, Gavin, Owen, Serafina, and Dylan. She is preceded in death by her husband.

Services will be held at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Poway on August 12 at 11 am, with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo. Committal will be private.