Diana Laverne Thiede

Diana L. Thiede was born on Dec. 6, 1939, in Oakland, California. She passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2026, at the young age of 86 in Lincoln, CA, where she lived for just under a year after 25 years in Reno, NV, 10 years in Aptos, CA, and in Fremont, CA, where she and Rich raised their family.

Diana is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Richard, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Her parents, David and Margaret Souza, as well as her only sibling, Phyllis Ann, also preceded Diana in death, along with beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

We truly believe that Diana is now reunited with them all, especially her treasured husband, Rich.

Diana is survived by her four children: Jenny, Jeff, James, and Julie, and their families, which include 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who miss her dearly.

Diana was the heart of her family with a radiant presence; full of life, love, and positivity. She had a nurturing nature and was very devoted and readily available to her family. She loved the simple things, especially the chirping of birds, the sunrise, honey in her coffee, and wine tasting. Diana had a design and decorating style that was warm, welcoming, and colorful. She loved sunflowers and geraniums, the mountains and the beach, oak trees, wild horses, and reading inspirational literature. She loved her friends, new and old, with whom she had many laughs. She enjoyed watching old movies, listening to her favorite music, and dancing, including hula and line dancing! Diana had many adventures with her loving husband, Rich, including time in Rome, England, France, Canada, and other parts of the United States. Hawaii was her coveted destination, as it was peaceful, beautiful, and where her great-grandfather relocated his family from the Azores Islands to the United States.

Diana was always there for others and definitely made this world a better place. She was very proud of her children and their families. Some of her many accomplishments include founding a church ladies' guild and a mother’s club at her local parishes. She gathered supplies for Vietnamese orphans during the war, she greeted Korean children at the San Francisco airport who were arriving on their journey to their new US homes, and she consistently supported the Catholic schools where her children attended kindergarten through high school.

Diana was a friend to all and rarely missed an opportunity to say hello and something kind to those she encountered. She will be deeply missed by so many people.

In her honor, may we keep her love and light glowing within.

A funeral mass will be held at St.Joseph’s Catholic Church, 280 Oak Tree Lane in Lincoln, CA, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the church hall. For those interested, A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will precede the mass at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Knights of Columbus of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Mailing address: Knights of Columbus #13842 100 Bishop Manogue Dr. Reno, NV 89511. Zelle: [email protected]