Surrounded by family, Diana L. Harris went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Married 50 years, she is survived by her loving husband Gary E. Harris (Ravenna, OH), daughters Heidi L. Harris (Ravenna, OH) and Heather L. Wheeler (Grants Pass, OR), and grandchildren Alexandra C. Wheeler and August J. Wheeler (both of Grants Pass, OR).
A graduate of Rocky River High School ('61), Diana went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Kent State University and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Akron. She taught English for several years at Brown Jr. High (Ravenna, OH) before moving with her family to South Florida in 1981. She worked for the School District of Palm Beach County for nearly three decades, first as an English teacher then later becoming both a middle- and high-school principal, as well as a district office administrator. She retired from education after having been the Director of Staff Development for Palm Beach County Schools – the eleventh largest school system in the continental United States.
In addition to her love for learning, Diana had a passion for music and was an accomplished singer. Along with two dear friends, she formed the Sweet Spirit Trio at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (West Palm Beach). For over a decade the trio toured and performed all over the state of Florida and even recorded a cd of their most beloved songs.
At Diana's request, a private, graveside ceremony was held at Maple Grove cemetery. In lieu of calling hours,
Diana asked that friends and family take time to reconnect with someone who has been a positve influence in their lives. Memorials may be made to: the Taussig Cancer Center (in care of Jenna Oliverio) at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, PO Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110. On Diana's behalf, her family wishes to express their profound thanks to Dr. Anne Lombardo, Dr. Devendra Sohal, Dr. Jane Wey, Dr. Krista Dobbie, and Dr. Elizabeth Stone of the Cleveland Clinic and Roz, Denise, and Jackie of Hospice of the Western Reserve for their exceptional care of one very precious lady. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
Sharon O'Grady (Pfaff) (1961)
Yesterday seems like a dream... When someone is terminally ill you expect to get that email or call or note and yet when it does come you are never prepared. You go through the motions of your day and stop every so often and question "Did that really happen"? Friends and family buzzing around you laughing and preparing for Christmas and unaware of the sadness and disbelief are your experiencing. Diana loved life and all people. She was the voice of reason and loved unconditionally. There was never a "poor me" or I hurt or I am sick - she was just one of us having fun and sharing stories about grandchildren, husbands and classmates. She was just one of us who happened to have a terminal illness. Diana attended so many of the monthly dinners that some of us local gals had. She was so full of life and we enjoyed these evenings so much. She listened to every word we said - deeply caring about what we had to say. We admired how she embraced every event we had. She was the best example we could ever have as how to deal with such a debilitating disease. Lesson learned: live in the present, be fair and kind to others, love those close to you, appreciate small things and take in the beautify of the world that is all around you. She and her husband recently celebrated 50 years together. They adored each other and never took a day for granted. Life will go on for the rest of our group but we will continue to miss her smile and warm hugs. Yesterday I was happily emailing our class with plans for a 55th reunion. Lost in my world of reading enthusiastic replies and smiling at memories shared. Then the unthinkable happened. Our class had another name to add to the MEMORIAL page....many of whom had attended our 50th. Diana and Gary were there and she spoke of that week end often. Life changes in the blink of an eye.
Mary Ellen Watts (Allan) (1961)
The world has lost a beautiful lady. Rest in peace, dear classmate.
Lee Carrier (1961)
Diana will be deeply missed. I sat with her and Gary at the 50th reunion. We enjoyed talking and laughing about the "GOOD OLD" days when I use to pull her pig tails while sitting behind her on the bus going home after school. Many fond memories of those bygone days and years. God Bless You
Don Kuehn (1961)
"Where is Diana Carle?" That was the first thing said to me at the 50th Reunion by a member of the class, who had not attended any of the prior reunions. I write this as an illustration of the affect that Diana had on people. She will be missed.
Merilynn Nunn (Hyland) (1961)
Diana is missed by all of us who loved her. She took a personal interest in each of us. In her days of slipping away, she taught us how to live. God blessed us by giving Diana to each of us.
Carole Williams (Matthews) (1961)
RIP Diana from Carole Matthews River 61 larcr@msn.com