Diana Kay Kunz Koebel Orona Ward

She was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 29, 1957, to Harold and Mary Alice Kunz. Growing up, Kay attended St. Luke’s Catholic School and Ursuline Academy in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from high school, Kay attended Southwest Texas State University for two years, and then transferred to Texas Christian University to complete her nutrition degree in 1979.

At the age of eight, Kay began to excel as an excellent swimmer at Seneca Country Club with her two sisters and neighbors. She was soon recruited by San Antonio Aquatic Club to swim competitively year-round. Her signature stroke was backstroke. She won many medals and trophies competing in the Junior Olympic events. Later, Kay even qualified for the Olympic trials where she literally ran into Mark Spitz, the future Olympian, in the pool as she was practicing her backstroke!

Kay utilized her nutrition degree for over 35 years in many different settings. She helped many patients with their diets in multiple hospitals, kidney dialysis clinics, and at River Gardens assisted living facility. She especially loved helping the developmentally and intellectually disabled adults. Not only did Kay work in a clinical setting, but also at HEB. She was a pioneer in the development of new products for their stores.

Kay was loved and admired by her many friends and colleagues. She was honored to be the senior class president at Ursuline Academy, and vice president of her sorority, Sigma Kappa, at Southwest Texas State University. She also was president of the San Antonio Dietetic Association. One year, she even received a national level award as one of the Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Kay resided in many cities (Houston, New Braunfels and San Antonio) over the years. One of her favorite passions was remodeling and decorating her many homes. Her home in Monte Vista was even featured one Christmas on their holiday home tour!

Although Kay never had any children herself, she would spoil her stepchildren, nieces and nephews. She would invite them all over for sleepovers and outings of fun.

Kay had many wonderful friends over the years from high school, college, her career, and AA. She always appreciated long conversations and support from these dear friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her dad, Harold Kunz Jr.; and her grandparents. She is survived by her mother, Mary Alice Fuller; and her sisters, Judy Kunz Cooney (Mike), and Patty Kunz Sylvester; nieces and nephews, Alison Judkins (Jeff), Pam Carr (Jacob), Jennifer Cooney, Meredith Birdy (Russell), Blake Sylvester, and Calvin Sylvester; great nieces and nephews, Jordan, Mason, and Austin Judkins, Tinslee Venable, and Blackley Birdy.

Kay gave a final everlasting gift by donating her corneas to the San Antonio Eye Bank.

A celebration of life honoring Kay will be Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Porter Loring North Chapel 2102 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232. Kay LOVED Christmas so we encourage all who attend her memorial service, to wear some type of Christmas attire!

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Kay’s name to the charity of your choice.