Diane Lieber

Diane was born in Philadelphia in February 1922 to Harry and Yetta Fishman, immigrants from Russia and Poland, respectively. The family -- including younger siblings Sam and Shirley --- moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the early 1930's. Diane was a graduate of Seward Park High School where she met Bernard Lieber, whom she would marry in 1943.

For nearly 60 years Diane was a proud homemaker to her husband Ben who first worked as a coach and administrator at the Boys Club in the East Village and would later become a public school teacher. Diane and Ben moved to the Bronx in the mid-1940's where they became proud parents to Ilene (1945) and Joel (1950). The family relocated to Glen Oaks, Queens in the early 50's, where Diane would live for the next 70 years.

From the early 50's to the 80's, Diane and Ben would spend summers in the Catskills during its heyday as a popular vacation destination for Jewish families. Ben worked as a camp director throughout many resorts and bungalow colonies while Diane (in an unofficial capacity) ran the social scene for the wives.

Diane had a bright personality that shined like a beacon and attracted everyone to her throughout life. She could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere at any time. She had movie-star good looks and a strong sense of fashion. Diane was also a constant caregiver for her family and friends, and an incredible cook who loved to host Passover seders and dinner parties.

Her secrets to longevity included long walks, living in a walk-up apartment for 60 years and bi-weekly mahjong games. Diane and Ben lived a proud, modest working class life even after winning the NY State Lottery in 1986. Despite many hardships, Diane always persevered. She was preceded in death by her siblings, husband and children but leaves behind a long lineage of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. She is survived by her grandchildren Stefanie (husband Ralph), Adam and David (wife Alison) and her five great grandchildren Jack, Isabella, Nicholas, Molly and Brady and many nieces and nephews including those closest to her – Ann Fishman, Howard Hirsch, Suzanne Meyers, and Julie Ardito.

The family asks for any donations in her honor to be made to the Etz Hayim at Hollis Hills Bayside