Diane D Hilton

Diane was born September 19, 1920 to J. Allen and Marjorie (Montague) Davis in Los Angeles, CA with whom she travelled annually each summer to the High Sierras. At the age of 16, Diane traversed and conquered the highest mountain peak in North America, Mt. Whitney, in less than 24 hours.

For nearly 98 years, Diane led a life of grace, determination and success leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and humility.

With academics as her first priority, she attended Marlborough School, a college preparatory school for girls in Los Angeles, where she placed first in class. Upon graduation, Diane attended Stanford University (her parent's and brother's alma mater) for two years where she enjoyed the sisterhood of Delta Gamma Fraternity. In her mother's footsteps, she decided to brave cold winters and boarded the train to Massachusetts and graduated from Smith College in 1942.

Diane married Army Lt. Robert "Bob" Miles Cochran before his deployment to the Battle of the Bulge. Welcoming their first child, a daughter, while Bob was serving in the war, Diane exemplified the strength and grit of a military wife. Later, their son blessed their home and she raised their two children in Chicago, IL before the family relocated to Carlsbad, CA in 1958.

After the death of her first husband, Diane turned her creative talents to teaching 2nd and 3rd grades at Grapevine Elementary School in Vista, CA for the next 20 years. As an inaugural member of the El Camino Country Club in Oceanside, CA, she could be found on the golf course, playing Bridge, or hosting summer parties. Diane was particularly fond of the beach where she continued to boogie board into her 70's.

In 1987, she married Fred Hilton, whom she proclaimed to be the "great love" of her life. The two spent nearly 27 years together exploring 16 exotic countries, with Indonesia being her personal favorite. In addition to travelling through retirement, Diane enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and dedicated time to jigsaw puzzles and painting. While talented in a number of art mediums, Diane specifically had a knack and appreciation for watercolor. She later published a book of her favorites called: "My Paintings", which visually and artistically tells the story of her life, family, and travels.

Diane is survived by her daughter Cathy (David) Cochran of Wimberley, TX and son Larry (Frances) Cochran of Carlsbad, CA; grandchildren Hilary (David) Runte of Houston, TX, Christie (Ed) Kline of Portland, OR, Carrie (Scott) Gommel of Carlsbad, Chris Cochran of Carlsbad, and Sergeant Marc Cochran of Carlsbad; great-grandchildren John McDuffie, Courtney McDuffie, Wrigley Kline, Jolene, Samantha, Owen and Matilda Gommel; Fred's four children Jamie (Brooks) Laudin, John (Ginny) Hilton, Randa (Kevin) Carr, and Jackie Meacham, their five children and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 11am at St. Michaels by the Sea Episcopal Church. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 2nd at 3:30pm at the El Camino Country Club.