M. Diane Wilson

Bend, Oregon Diane Wilson of Bend, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2016 at Partners in Care Hospice in Bend, following a stroke on May 16. Her family was with her throughout this time. Diane was born to the late JD and Helen Womack in Calexico, California on January 2, 1938. She attended school there graduating from Calexico High School in 1955. She received her BA from the University of Redlands in 1959 with a major in Business and minors in Education and English and spent a 5 year at San Jose State University studying Business Education. She earned her secondary teaching credential in 1960 and began her career teaching English at Norco Junior High in California. Diane met her future husband, Wesley R. Wilson, while at the U of R and they were married on October 1, 1960. Their first child, Michael, was born in July, 1961 and in the fall of that year the family moved to Seattle so that Wes could pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Washington. Diane continued her career in the Seattle area, teaching secretarial skills and English in several different adult education programs. While in Seattle, their second child, Maura, was born in April, 1967. The family lived in Seattle for over 30 years. After 15 years of teaching in adult vocational settings, Diane decided to make a change and start doing what she taught others. She worked as a technical writer, office manager and bookkeeper for a small company that did building inspections, retiring in 1996. Music was always a major part of Dianes life, winning awards in piano competitions as a child, performing on University of Redlands choir recordings, singing with the Robert Shaw Choir one summer and joining with her son to sing in the Cascade Chorale upon moving to Bend in 2002. She and Wes travelled extensively throughout the USA and Canada in their RV, living in it 5-6 months of the year. Trips to Israel and Australia among other foreign destinations were highlights for her. Bridge, bowling, needlework, reading, and crossword puzzles were favorite hobbies. In July of 2004 Diane suffered a major stroke from which she was not expected to recover. Through her faith, strong determination and hard work in a very long rehabilitation program with outstanding professionals, and the support of her family and church community, she learned how to walk again and to live independently. She treasured her time with her family and close friends and watching her grandchildren grow up. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Wesley Wilson, by their son and daughter-in-law Michael and Kasia Wilson of Bend, their daughter Maura Quinn of Seattle, their two grandchildren, Elinor Wilson and Anika Perry, and her brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Patti Womack of El Centro, California. A memorial service to honor her life is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 2, at the United First Methodist Church in Bend. A family graveside service will be held later at Belcrest Cemetery in Salem, Oregon, where she will be buried in a family plot. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Dianes name to Partners in Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

Tributes

M. Diane Wilson

January 2, 1938 - May 25, 2016