Matthew , As I said in my card to you, your mom was such a special person and a dear friend of mine for almost 40 years. I am so  saddened by her death and so sorry for your loss.  I do need to speak to you about something important and I would appreciate it if you would call me. I tried calling you on the the numbers I had for your mom but I couldn't get through.  Thanks and take care of yourself.  Mel Stern

Matthew--So sorry for your loss.  I taught with your mom at Tecumseh for many years.  I remember meeting you when you were very young on the Disney World trip.  You were so well behaved and so well dressed!  My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

I 've wonderful memories of Diane and  Bill as great associates, always diligent, focused and 100% on the mark.
She was no stranger to a fun time with plenty of laughs.
Will surely be missed by all.

James Anderson,
Former Sachem teacher and SCTA Vice President

Dear Matthew - My memories of your Mom and family were all so wonderful. We were neighbors of Grace, Mike, Louise & Susan at Shaker Pines Lake.  
She was so special to our family.  With lots of love, Bonnie Baker

Matthew, It's your cousin Laura from Virginia. My heart and prayers go out to you. Your mom was very good me when I was a child and I have only fond memories of her. May she be at peace. In Love and sympathy, Laura

So shocked and saddened to learn of Diane's  passing.  I worked with Diane in Vote/Cope activities as well as attending NYSUT conventions.  I remember her as dynamic and unending energy.  She cared deeply about teaching and  the rights of teachers and children in the  public schools.
Rachel Barr Brentwood Teacher (retired)

With heartfelt sympathy to Matthew and family 
Bruce & Maureen (Tomasulo) Mathews
Class of 1964 Island Trees High School

Hi Mathew, It's cousin Susan and it has been almost fourteen years of un-fortunate separation & lack of communication but I'm totally shocked and sad to
hear about the passing of your mother, Dianne. I will always remember her in 
the close family ties we use to have and the growing up years of fun and holidays. I wish you strength to get through all of this and hope we can have a new beginning of re-bonding so that we can keep the family going. Please stay in touch with us. bye cousin susan

Sincere condolences to Matt & family. Bill Lindner ITHS '64,

May God bless you with warm family memories to comfort you at this difficult  time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Matt,
My memories of your mom go back to her years at St. John's where she met your wonderful dad.  Your dad Billy and your mom Diane and I had so many wonderful moments at SJU, and at Sachem where we all went to teach. But the best times were when we would laugh till we cried about some story, incident, or mistake one of us had made.  Your mom made other people smile and happy to be around her.  Dianne was a dedicated teacher, a loving mom and wife and a good friend for over almost 50 years... My prayers are with you Matt...Tommy Neal

Matthew, your mother was a fighter for fair play. I will always remember her courage and willingness to stand up to fight for what she believed in. As I told you, I remember how she stood up in front of a hostile audience of LIFER radicals and spoke her mind about the error of their arguments. It was my privilege to know her as a proud unionist and leader in NYSUT. 
Bill Matejka , Past President of the Commack Teachers Assoc.

NYSUT and advocacy for teachers and students on Long Island connected us. I'm sending much sympathy to Dianne's family.

Knowing Dianne was a true blessing! Like many, I was inspired by her advocacy for public education, all students and educators and workers' rights. 
Betsy Sandberg Schenectady NY

I am so deeply saddened.  Your mom was my kindergarten teacher in 1973-74 and we were her first class of students. I even attended the church service for your parents' wedding with many other students, to your mom's delight.  More than 40 years later, she is still remembered as one of my favorite teachers & I was thrilled to have reconnected with her on Facebook.  May God bless you during this most difficult time.  Please know that your mom touched so many people who will never forget her.

Dear Matthew,

All of my condolonces go out to you.  I knew Mom and Dad both, from my time in Sachem and our families were together way back we all went to Disney World with a bunch of SCTA people.

Mom and Dad both worked hard for the benefit of teachers and in the end for many Sachem employees.  Dad was quiet, always the consummate gentleman but Mom was outsopken and alwlays more visible.  I don't think anyone worked harder than she did for the benefit of teachers and ultimately the children they served.
On a 1 to 1 basis Mom had a lot of compassion for the peoople she worked with.  Beneath that outspoken exterior she was kind and understanding and willing to do whatever she could to help one person at a time.

Please know you have our thoughts and prayers at this time and those of many others.

Sincerely,

Debbie and Tony Santo

 Dianne was the quintessential teacher and leader. Her sincerity and genuine energy lead our district and our community into wonderful projects. I enjoyed the Ed Gurty trips to Florida in the 1990's.

My Kindegarten teacher at Tecumseh Elementary School in 1973-74.  Happy memories of Mrs. Hettrich and those days.  Thank you, God bless you and rest in peace.  - Respectfully

As a NYSUT rep and the Suffolk Office Director I have known Dianne for many years.  There was no one  more dedicated to the membership.  She was always looking for ways to strengthen the union.  She will be missed.

Dianne will be missed by all the lives she touched in the Sachem community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.

Diane was a true leader, wonderful educator and  compassionate soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Our prayers sympathies at this time, Your Mom was a great and warm person and she will be greatly missed.

Please know that thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.  May your memories of your Mom help you through this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. Dianne was a deeply passionate educator and union member. Her friendship and guidance will be dearly missed.Rest in peace, beautiful lady.

Matt, my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  May the rich memories you have of your times with your mom continue to keep her alive in your heart.  God's peace and grace be with you, and call on me if I may be helpful in any ways.  Your friends at Touro Law are with you.

OBITUARY

Dianne D. Hettrich

October 28, 1946 – April 28, 2015

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes

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