How blessed I was to be the daughter of such a remarkable woman.  The time mom and I spent together was full of laughter, and sorrows, reminiscing of times now and long ago, sharing so many special moments together.  I had such a happy childhood thanks to mom and she was always there for me with words of wisdom as I made my way through adulthood.  She was always there for me with arms wide open and I will always be greatful that I could be there for her, through the grace of God.  Every night when I would look at her sleeping, my heart would burst with love for this woman.  Mom loved me unconditionally and I her.  Rest in peace mom as you so deserve to.

I met Di in 1988. For the next ten years, while we worked together, we walked every day three and a half miles during our lunch hour.  Di became my mentor as we shared our lives.  Her wisdom and common sense were remarkable!  She always had the perfect word of advice or suggestion. 
She left an incredible legacy to her family, her friends and everyone in her life.  Di will always be remembered with love and admiration for a life well lived!

There was no need for an emergency room when we had Auntie Di around.

I will forever be grateful to her for everything and my condolences to all.

Diane was more of a mother to me, than an aunt and yet she was just a family friend.

A child can’t be fooled in some ways. As a young child – I knew that this person genuinely cared for me in a special way. 

Diane wasn’t the typical person trying to be nice or pretending to care. A devote catholic that I believe reinforced the church more instead of the church reinforcing her. 

I can count at least two times where we went to Auntie Di’s instead of the emergency room. Between Dr. Johnson and Auntie Di we had our healthcare issues covered. Born at a different time she would have been a doctor herself. 

It really helps a person to have wonderful parents. It doesn’t hurt to have the support of others either. It could be a teacher or neighbor or close relative. In my early life – Diane was the connection to the Camilli family. The importance of these early connections is profound. The fine examples, lessons and mid-western sensibilities of my parents were reinforced by these extended families.

I was commenting to Jean Anne Camilli yesterday that her mother Dolores lived a perfectly healthy life until her sudden passing and that Auntie Di had basically the same luck. I find it extraordinary that while the aging process was taking its toll her soul was never diminished in any way. It is now obvious that her body eventually couldn’t keep up with her strong soul.

I am a better person for having Auntie Di in my life.

Thank you and God bless you!

It has been my honor and privilege to have Di as my dear friend for 34 years. Her wisdom, positive attitude, and love made her someone to cherish and admire. Di was a faith-based woman who not only talked about her religion, but she lived it every day in all of her acts of kindness for others. It was a true blessing in my life, and that of my family, to know her and to call her our friend.

Diane will be  missed by so many folk - and welcomed by a bunch up in Heaven as well!  All of the memories I have of Diane include smiles, even when they were mixed with tears.  She lived life fully, with loving kindness, and I truly believe all of us who spent time with her, will carry part of her in our hearts as long as we live.  Thank you, Lord, for sharing Diane with us.

Di touched everyone she met, and we will miss her. But I’m confident she will continue to care for us from above. 

Mary Carran Webster,
A cousin of Cathy Nichols

Diane was a wonderful and caring person, who saw the good in everyone.  I will miss her everyday, but know that we will meet again.
All my love to the family during this sad time.

Love,
Ann Brickle

I will treasure the memories of growing up on 15th Street with "Aunt Di" and "Uncle Gene" as our neighbors.  We had so much fun.  Our parents would hang out on Friday nights while the kids had sleepovers.  Not only were they our neighbors, but my God parents.  I remember Aunt Di would insist we attend church on Sundays.  Gene took us to his country club a few times (the old JDM Country Club) where we would eat endless amounts of red pistachios and drink Shirley Temples.  

Our condolences for your loss.  Gene and Diane will have a special place in my heart always.

So sorry for your loss. Use to babysit Johnny and Carrie. Our families were neighbors for years. Prayers of comfort to all.  Gail Gaffney Williamson

OBITUARY

Diane Ethier Gerson

June 13, 1929 – March 7, 2024

Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center

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