Diane Marie Wait

Diane Marie “Dee” Wait, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Dee was born on November 22, 1937, in Queens, New York, to Grover S. LaPlante and Virginia A. Miller. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest A. “Ernie” Wait; her parents; her grandparents; her brother, Gary Shofstall; granddaughter, Christine Lawson; and a great-grandson.

A devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished friend, Dee’s life was marked by resilience and kindness. She married Ernie on December 18, 1957, and embarked on an adventurous life as a military wife. Together, with their three daughters, they navigated many moves and eventually settled in Aurora, Colorado in 1971, near Diane’s mother.

In 1974, she proudly earned her GED and embarked on a journey of lifelong learning, pursuing careers in mutual funds, insurance sales, real estate sales, product sales such as Avon, Sarah Coventry, Amera and Tupperware. She worked for AAA as an auto travel agent where she prepared “triptiks” for club members. Diane also went to school and worked as a manicurist. Dee’s passions were many. An animal lover through and through, she volunteered with and/or donated to the Denver Dumb Friends League, the ASPCA, and supported PBS. She gave generously to several other charities as well. She also volunteered with Girl Scouts of America where she was a Brownie leader for her daughter Barb. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.

A passionate traveler and lifelong “snowbird,” Diane and Ernie spent over 30 winters in Puerto Vallarta, meeting up with old friends and welcoming many new ones. They explored Hawaii, England, several European countries, and enjoyed cruising through the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans. A gifted watercolor artist, Diane studied under renowned impressionist Evelyne Boren both in Santa Fe and Puerto Vallarta and brought beauty into the world through her paintings. She enjoyed challenging herself with crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. During her younger years, she also enjoyed belly dancing and square dancing.

As an active member of the Elks and Eagles Lodges, you could find her and Ernie dining and dancing most Saturday evenings while visiting with friends. Diane also enjoyed playing golf and was in a women’s league at Aurora Hills Golf Course and played weekly during the spring and summer months.

Diane’s warmth, generosity, and zest for life will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving daughters Barbara Van Meer (Alvis Van Meer) of Aurora, CO, Theresa Pearce (Scott Pearce) of Aurora, CO, and Suzanne Carder (Brent Carder) of Thornton, CO. 11 grandchildren, Tony Lawson, AJ Van Meer, Josh Van Meer, Diane Slack, Virginia Price, Jennifer Van Meer, Eric Van Meer, Tiana Eads, Kaylyn King, Tyler Pearce and Nic Carder. 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will gather to place Dee’s ashes at Olinger Hampden Mortuary beside her husband and mother. Details to follow for a Celebration of Life dinner to honor Diane’s life and legacy. In her memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, ASPCA or Denver Dumb Friends League.