Diane Nottingham Ward

Born November 6, 1944 – Syracuse, New York

Diane, affectionately known as Dee or DeeDee, was the only child of Bob and Ruth (Doran) Nottingham of Syracuse, NY. From the moment she entered the world, she was famous — born with a collapsed lung, her life was saved by a new medical breakthrough: penicillin. The newspaper headline read “The Miracle Baby.”

Being an only child didn’t stop her from becoming a friend to everyone. Dee was outgoing, warm, and gifted. During high school, she became an exceptional springboard diver — placing 9th in the national competition and even earning a spot on the Olympic diving team. Though she didn’t ultimately pursue the Olympics, it was an achievement she remained proud of throughout her life. She was also crowned homecoming queen her senior year at high school. After graduating, she attended Mary Washington University.

While on spring break in Nassau, Dee met the charming man who would become the love of her life — Nat. Swept off her feet, they were married in June 1965 at the Virginia Military Institute and entered the U.S. Army life the very next day. They had their first son, Quint, and four years later, their second, Sam.

DeeDee was the consummate Army wife — resilient, loving, and devoted — especially during Nat’s deployments to Korea and Vietnam. The family later moved to Munich, Germany, where they retired from the military in 1973. That year, they traveled throughout Europe and the Canary Islands in a VW bus, making memories that would last a lifetime.

Returning to the U.S., they settled in San Diego, CA, where Nat attended law school. With two young boys, a home to run, and endless responsibilities, Dee still found time to pursue her own goals. She earned a Master’s in Accounting from San Diego State University, became a CPA, and even founded the Graduate Business Student Association at SDSU — a group that still exists today. One of her granddaughters would later follow in her footsteps- attending SDSU, becoming an accountant and CPA.

A lifelong sports fan, Dee cheered fiercely for all things Syracuse — especially basketball and football — but her greatest passion was for the San Diego Sockers. As a 10-year season ticket holder, she proudly cheered (and sometimes shouted) from the stands. It was her joyful outlet.

Dee had a tender heart — the kind of person who cried at commercials and had a deep love for animals. She delighted in making others feel seen and appreciated. Her sudden passing was a shock to all who knew and loved her. The outpouring of support from friends, family, and the compassionate staff at Sharp Hospital — especially her nurse Megan — meant the world.

DeeDee will be missed more than words can say. Her infectious laugh, her kindness, her ability to make friends everywhere she went — these are the things that live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through her five grandchildren: Madeline, Nate, Brady, Carly, and Kayla. May they carry forward her spirit, her compassion, and her laughter.