Seeet Diane! Washed dishes in the driveway w her!🤣

My mom never knew her worth.  Never knew the significance of of her sacrifices and silent perseverance.   She was often haunted by depression and worry, and somehow she got the message early on in life that she wasn’t enough.  But she was.   She was intelligent. She had common sense and class.  She was financially responsible, to the point of often depriving herself of niceties or luxuries.  
She was charged with the task of raising two very young children alone.  She always stressed to us the importance of education , and she worked the night shift at a nursing home while she went through nursing school, digging herself out of what could have been a life on public assistance and minimum wage jobs.  
She didn’t know what it was like to be nurtured by her mother, so hugs and I love you’s were difficult for her and few and far between.    She wasn’t at every game or field trip, but all along, silently and strongly and single handedly, she was there for us.  
I will miss you tremendously.   And I will try to take solace in the fact that although you are gone, your silent strength is woven in the very fabric of who I am.   Maybe not by intention but through your actions, you were my teacher of strength and perseverance and sacrifice.  Silently, courageously, humbly.   You were more than enough.  

     Its been a little over two weeks since Diane’s passing. Since my Uncle Ainslie called me to let me know that Di was very sick, and then later, sharing the news thru his tears that Di was gone.  And that he could not make the traditional bourbon balls this year, he was sorry.  The only thing I could think of to do was to try to make them myself, and mail them to Ains in memory of Diane. 
 Those are Christmas Eve bourbon balls; a tear in each one.  
        I have thought deeply and often about Diane since then.  Since my Dad passed in 2015, family has taken on greater significance. And Diane was family.  Ains and Di made the long trip to Martha’s Vineyard many times to see my parents, Ted and Jeanne Hewett.  They laughed and cooked, sailed and swam.  Mom and Dad loved Diane.  She was kind and smart, good hearted and easy to laugh. They shared a unique sensibility and sense of humor.  They were comfortable together.
     On the way up to the Vineyard, Ains and Di would stay with my family in NY (now NJ). We loved those visits!  Di's delight at having discovered the CrackerBarrel books-on- tape for these trips broke us up, and we still imitate her with love. “Cracker Barrell!! you never heard of Cracker Barrell?!!”  One night, husband Joe, who thinks he is a race-car driver, took Ains and Di on a wild joy ride around NYC to see the lights – I am told it was quite the escapade, and Di said she loved every minute!
  I admired Diane, and my family mourns her passing.  Our hearts go out to her daughters Jennifer and Amy who I hope to meet one day.  And to my Uncle Ainslie.          Rest in Peace, Di.


Diane had a saying that she liked. Old friends is good friends, she would say. She liked the verb as stated. We had been friends back in our early thirties. After losing touch with each other for over three decades we were lucky enough to resume our friendship in our seventies. She had lost Margaret a few years earlier and I lost my dear wife Linda a year and a half ago. Those kinds of holes in your life beg to be filled to whatever degree possible with an old, good friend.

Being Diane’s friend was easy. I didn’t judge her, which went a long way with her, and I was always positive and tried hard to make her laugh. For me, Diane listened when we talked and was considerate of me. And she laughed for me. Most of all, she helped fill some of the hole that losing Linda had created. We enjoyed our brief times together.

Our conversations were usually about old times and friends, gardening, politics, Winston, Ainslie, her family and how much I missed Linda. Diane’s love for her daughters, grandchildren and Ainslie was undeniable. 
 
Growing old was always on her mind but talking politics and eating coconut creme pie would take her mind off of it for a while. We talked a lot about our mutual dislike for Trump and our like of progressive democratic leaders. We had a restaurant that we liked in Sellersburg that had a big display of cakes and pies as you entered. Our routine was that I would find us a booth while she looked over the pies until she had decided what the highlight of her dinner was going to be.

We also talked about what makes old friends such good friends.  It’s mostly that you lose good friends along the way to attrition until they’re down to a very few, if you’re lucky.  Old friends are golden. Diane’s friendship was precious to me. She helped me when I was grieving. I hope I repaid her somehow.  I will miss her company always.

Dear Ainslee, Jennifer & Amy,   
Denny and I are profoundly sad to hear that Diane has passed on.  She was smart, spunky, lively, and wonderfully unique. We have so many special memories of ski trips, playing tennis, and houseboating at Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow.   Being in Diane's presence was always brought smiles and laughter. I especially remember our first trip skiing in Beaver Creek Colorado.  And playing cards at night.  And who can forget the bus ride!!  And Diane and Ainslee were so patient with helping me learn to ski!   I wish you all eventual peace and loving memories of Diane that make you smile and feel joy.  

Jennifer and Amy, I am so sorry to learn your mom has gone on to glory.  I always enjoyed her company on the tennis court and fondly remember the houseboat trips to Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow (where she judiciously avoided the sun) as well as how much fun she had learning to clog. I am remembering most today her smile, the way her ponytail swung when she laughed, and how she loved you girls with every part of her. Praying for peace for your hearts today.

Diane and I met 33 years ago as we both wanted to learn bridge. She became a life long friend that I dearly loved. I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that she is gone. We shared many activities over the years  including riding all the roller coasters at kings island (in the late 80’s), taking classes on the Beatles, how to win at Blackjack, and the history of Russia. She was always interested in learning new things up until the end. She was a caring and loving friend.

A sweeter person never existed.  Quick with a compliment and always ready to share in a new adventure.  Di was loved and cherished by those who knew her and readily welcomed new acquaintances into her circle.  She loved a good movie followed by dinner out with family and friends.  She was truly beautiful inside and out always willing to share her smile which could light up a room.  Go gently into the night and brighten up the sky with your light.

One of my favorite people and will always remember your sense of humor and time we all had in Destin playing a tough game of tennis. Rest In Peace mumpy. 

Betsy

Too many memories to choose from, She was a sweet, caring,bright but troubled soul who gave meaning to my life. I guess on thing  that just popped up was on a skiing bus trip to Colorado, her sleeping in the relief-drivers bunk.  No, he wasnt using it.


Diane was one of my favorite people to be around. Despite both medical and emotional stress, she maintained a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humor - a very refreshing attitude that we should all try to emulate. I last ran into her at a gas station in New Albany and we had a nice chat. I will greatly miss her presence on the planet. 

Mumpy  was a sweet woman who had a great sense of humor and she never missed a chance to laugh at herself. She didn’t  complain if she  was having health problems. I loved to be with her.  She was my son’s mother-in-law and they were great friends.  She dearly loved her daughters, Jennifer and Amy, her granddaughters,  Elizabeth, Kate and Claire, but  she had a special twinkle in her eye, after raising two girls, for her only grandson, Robby. Her daughters are like her,  hard working, accepting of others and they  reflect  her steady work ethic.  I’m sure she was a great comfort to all her hospital patients through the 35 years  of her service.  I will miss her, especially at holiday gatherings.  My heart goes out to all her family and to Ainslie, her true friend. 

Diane and I have been friends for 54 years. We didn't see each other often enough, but we knew we were there for each other. Our daughters are the same age and our  grandsons are the same age so we had a lot in common. One thing we learned about each other is we never talked about religion and definitely not about politics.  I know, without a doubt, that she loved her family so very much. I loved her and she will be greatly missed.

May you rest in eternal Peace Mumpy. 
With Love,
Sherri Drake and Family



Have know Diane for many years and we both where pregnant at the same time. We had our daughters a month apart and we were like family. This is a shock but I met up with Amy in August and she said her mother was living with her. Amy and Jennifer , you both are in my heart and prayers. 

OBITUARY

Diane "Mumpy" Susan Culwell

April 9, 1947 – December 23, 2020

Kraft Funeral Service

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