Diane was an integral part of our writing community at Grackle & Grackle, where she always arrived with an unorthodox and profound reading of the essays and stories we all discussed. She was always opening our eyes to new viewpoints and possibilites. Her enormous kindness and humor, her ability to connect with others, was profound. She entered our community after having recovered from hospice, and all of us, including her, understood her time with us as both generous and miraculous. She wrote about her family and her work and her spiritual journeys. She worried she was too contrarian on occasion, but that was never the case, she just never pretended to see something a certain way to go with the flow. She was too invested in being part of the world, in engaging authentically with it, to pretend, and it made every conversation she joined more surprising and fun.  I loved how close to wonder she lived.  I am utterly grateful she became a part of my life, I will be changed forever because of her, and her fierce example living and experiencing and loving the world.

For me, Diane embodied the attributes of the heart which are central to Healing Touch: Healing Presence, Innate Harmony, Compassion, Unconditional Love and Selfless Service. She expressed these attributes with warmth and graciousness, whether in the role of  practitioner, instructor, author, mentor, committee chair or president.  Her light and love will continue to touch countless lives through her work. Condolences to her family, and deep gratitude for their support in sharing their wife, mother and grandmother with us.
Mary-Cathrine Campbell, RN. BA, CHTP

I had the utmost privilege of learning from and being inspired by Dr Wardell during my masters and doctoral programs at UT Houston. She had a way of quietly asserting that I must work hard but also a kindness in her voice and smile that reassured me that she’d be there to help me be successful. She taught me to always keep the patient’s whole self at the forefront of consideration, not just their physical, but their social and psychological needs as well. I am a better Nurse Practitioner because of Dr Wardell and I know those who came before and after me would say the same. Thank you to her family who shared her with us in order to ensure the nursing profession instilled kindness and healing into patient care.

Diane reached out to me, and persistently followed up when I was going through a difficult transition. She had no obligation to give of her light, strength, and wisdom, but she chose to inspire, motivate, and care for me while nobody was watching. She was a healer, a perspicacious writer, and so many other things written about on these pages. She sought to share her kindness and goodness. The world was fortunate to have her while we did. I was fortunate to have her example of a brave and intelligent and rightly guided woman. I hope she knows that I followed her advice and things worked out very well. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family.

My mom loved our trips to the beach.  Attalie also loves the water.

Diane is a woman of such depth, wisdom, fervor and care for the people and things she invested in. A colleague and I had a chance to interview her for our Healing Beyond Borders Healing Touch conference last year. One of the questions I asked was, “How did the Healing Beyond Borders roles influence your life's work?”
Diane replied, “Basically it's impacted every aspect of my life. Now that I sit back and look at it, much of my life was filled with Healing Touch and the many different ways in which I incorporated it. I think that is the gift of this work is that it can do that for you, and it does bring a difference in the way you look at things.”

She encouraged thousands of people to carry the light, and has deeply imprinted the world through her work and life. 

Prayers of peace and comfort.
Susan Kuske, RN, CHTP/I

I am grateful to have met Diane through the American Holistic Nurses Association.  She was a supportive research mentor, and we share a love for nature and poetry.  My deepest condolences to her family, and all who love Diane.

When I was a moody middle schooler, Aunt Diane was one of the few adults I felt I could talk to. She listened to and took my teenage troubles (I don't even remember what they were) seriously and made me feel heard. Her pursuit of higher education when she was, in my eyes, "old" was an inspiration. In the past few months, I've been in awe of how engaged she's been helping a friend from her writing group get her work published, tirelessly weighing advice and options.  I aspire to her thoughtfulness, humor, and grace.

I just found this on the internet.  I was looking to reconnect, now that we have moved to Austin.  My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.  Diane and I had years of working together and building many many memories, both personal and professional. i moved to Austin a few years ago so we weren't able to see each other for the  last few years.  My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.  .

My condolences .  I am grieved to hear of her passing.  I worked with her on an number of projects for several year.  She made numerous contributions to the nursing profession and to the communities we served.  Thankfully, I have many fond memories.  My sympathies to all her family and friends.
Joan Engebretson

Diane was among my most important mentors in my nursing science career. She pushed me (always lovingly) and encouraged me even when I struggled. I remember sitting in her office, tears in my eyes over a paper I had written and re-written. With her words and a stern gaze, she unlocked my potential that day, and I truly believe I am where I am in part because of her. One Thursday I was rushing over to her class from my day job at Methodist, when she caught me in the hallway juggling my bag, a protein bar and laptop and she complimented my hair. I replied, “Thanks I had the energy to try.” I was sweating, exasperated and not joking, but she laughed herself all the way down the hall. That’s when I first saw her loving, funny nature beneath her professorial exterior. I know Cizik will miss her gentle yet mischievous spirit. 

Brennan Parmelee Streck

The start of a new life for both of us. August 22, 1969.

My sincere condolence to Bill and all of Diane's family. Diane was a wonderful colleague, and friend. We co-taught together over the years at UTHSC Cizik School of Nursing. Coteaching and mentoring students was a joy. After we both retired, we stayed in touch and enjoyed some lunches and visits. I will miss her as I am sure you will. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Geri

Diane sent this to me in July of 2014. Hope it brings all the Wardells some happy memories.  Love, Aunt Gay

My condolences to Diane's family and friends. I know they had time to prepare for Diane's death, but there is something so definitive about the actual death that no amount of preparation can absolve the intense sense of loss. On the positive side, Diane's family and friends have many rich memories to safeguard and share and will forever be enveloped in the radiance of Diane's love. She will be with us in a healing way. I am smiling right now just thinking about her.

Sandy Hanneman
Cizik School of Nursing colleague, member of Diane's PhD cohort, and debate/reflection companion.

Dr. Wardell was my first advisor in my Ph.D. program. She was always kind and thoughtful. She pushed me to be the best, most rigorous scientist and I’m grateful for her years of tutelage. May she rest in peace knowing she touched so many lives and made the world a better place.

"  makes me want to step into the unknown with courage and grace"
And she did!  Love, Gay

Diane was my mentor during my Healing Touch instructorship.  I’ll always be grateful for her support and guidance. She was a role model besides an enthusiastic teacher. I am amazed at her achievements but most adored her endless compassion and kindness for others. God bless her and those who are grieving.

I knew Diane through Healing Beyond Borders, teaching and educating Healing Touch techniques.  I was impressed with her gentle skills.  She was truly a Wise Woman.    Carol Lewis

I am so grieved to hear of her passing! I am one of the early HTP’s also, having Janet as my only instructor. We are moving soon in the region west of Houston & I was going to look her up & we won’t be there by the time of the 8/1 gathering, so my memories of all she has done for Healing Beyond Borders must sustain me now. May God hold her family in the hollow of His hand. Words can’t ease your sorrow but hearts can share your loss.  Sherry Olree RN, HN-BC, CHTP

OBITUARY

Diane Wind Wardell

December 16, 1948 – July 18, 2025

Heights Funeral Home

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