Diana Mae Williams passed away peacefully at her home on Canyon Ferry Lake on Monday, January 9, 2012 after a 3 year battle with cancer. Diana was an inspiration to all who knew her and lived her life with grace and dignity.
Diana was born in Lewistown, Montana on April 14, 1957 to James D. & Edna Mae Williams. The family moved to Helena in 1963. Diana attended local schools and graduated from Helena High School in 1975. She attended Montana State University, University of Montana, and Carroll College. She taught school for a time in Gardiner, Montana and also worked as an aide at Montana City Schools with special needs children. Diana worked with her family at Williams Construction Company. Diana was very active at Canyon Ferry Lake. She served on the Board of the Canyon Ferry Rec Association for many years. She loved Canyon Ferry Lake and its people and worked to give back to her community with her time and energy.
Diana was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shaila Williams. She is survived by her husband, Dan Flynn; brother, Randy Williams (Deb) and their daughter, Lacy Burpee (Chris); sister, Lynette Pendergast (Scott) and their sons, Marc Pendergast (Jennifer Johnson), Brian Pendergast (Sarah), and Rory Pendergast (Kerrie Resendes).
Family has always been very important to Diana. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings at Canyon Ferry Lake as well as visiting family members throughout Montana. Diana traveled from Washington State to Washington DC; from California to Arizona to Chicago, even to Antigua, Guatemala to attend special events in the lives of her many aunts, uncles, and cousins or to just stop by to say hello.
A funeral mass will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 13th at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with a burial service to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Please join the family and friends for a reception at Jorgenson’s Restaurant immediately following the graveside service. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 E. Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Aunt, SharonLee(Williams)Maloof and Family says
Niece Diana Mae Williams will be missed more than words can ever say. She even called me the day my Brother Howard Eugene Williams died on Saturday,February 5TH, 2011. Some of us have something in cammon that we had been through CANCER ourselves. ” PINK SISTER,NIECE DIANA MAE WILLIAMS, FOR ONE OF YOUR ” PINK SISTERS, THINKS OF YOU DAILY.” May God Rest your Soul and Rest in Peace.
Bob and Linda Flynn says
We are saddened at the passing of Diana; she has been in our thoughts for weeks now. Those thoughts would end in a smile because Diana had this knack for making everyone she met one of the lucky ones.
Carol E. Bonner says
Dan,
Your combined efforts helped leasees become land owners at the lake. I remember you two going door to door w/petitions over the years & how the two of you actively showed your dedication to improvements for Canyon Ferry. I will light a candle for Diana & you will be in my thoughts in the coming days.
Having been widowed in seventy two ~ I do know the wonderful memories are what will sustain you.
Sincerely,
Carol E. Bonner
Carrie Rae-Parr says
Lynette and Family, my thoughts are with you during this hard time. You will always have your memories and love that will live on forever.
Colleen Cohn says
My sincere sympathy. Diana was very special.
Danielle Schneeloch says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave & Shelly says
As the waves touch the shore, I will think of you. When the breeze moves the trees, I’ll think of you. You gave so much of your self, while you were here, that you will never be far away. We love you.
Don and Patty Herzog says
Dan, we were so sorry to hear of Diana’s passing. What a sad day for you and all of her family. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you. What a beautiful picture of her by the lake!
Frederick Verzani says
Dan, may your faith sustain you and may the love and prayers of those who care comfort you in the loss of your lovely wife Diana. I will miss her dearly, she was always a special customer of mine.
Gail McKinnon says
Our family is so sorry that Diana lost her battle with cancer. But it never dimmed her compassion for others and she lived with so much dignity and grace. You will be missed by many here on earth but welcomed by many more in Heaven.
George C. Maloof Jr., says
We will have Masses and Prayers for Diana Mae Williams. Now she is with her Father,Mother and Sister Youngest Sister. God Bless and Sympathy at this time.
Gigi Murfitt says
We are sorry for your loss, Dan and family. We are praying for you at this time. Know that we will continue to hold you up in prayers. Steve and Gigi (Devine) Murfitt, Woodinville, WA
Jamie Vrsek says
Diana always livened up the conversation, and was great at bringing people together. We will miss her very much. One of my favorite memories is when she introduced FLARP to the Flynns at a time when we really needed to laugh. Thanks Diana!
Jay Reardon says
Dan so sorry for your loss I hope you can find peace in knowing that Diana is no longer suffering and is now in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you brother.
Jay
Joe and Paula Schendel says
We have lived next to Diana for many years and have enjoyed the opportunity to know her. She helped all of us so much and never had a bad word to say about life. When asked, she was always “OK”. Because we knew she would do anything for us it was easy to do anything for her. We will miss her friendship and the wonderful timing she would use when expressing herself. Getting to know Diana has been a wonderful experience. She was an amazing athlete, friend, neighbor, and one of the brightest people we know.
Joyce Maloof Vaught says
So sorry to hear about cousin Diana. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
Love,
Joyce, Chris and Lauren
Kahl & Mary Buhl says
Diana, you will be sadly missed. Especially your quirky sense of humor. Your spirit and courage is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for that.
Ken and Brenda Price says
We shall miss our visits with Diana as we walk the road. She was indeed a woman that we are proud to have known.
Larry & Delores Rosin says
Lynette, Scott & Family
As a butterfly graces our lives with a moment’s fragile beauty, so has Diana’s presence blessed you with her life and unique spirit. May you find peace with each butterfly that passes you by, knowing she lives on in the hearts of all she’s touched.
With deepest sympaty
Marty and Maureen Kloker says
Dan:
So sorry to hear about your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marvin and Paula Van Meel says
Dan and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Brydich says
Dan, Lynette, Randy and Families: My heart goes out to you. Diana was such a unique person. I will never forget her driving to Bozeman to give me support the day after my colon cancer surgery – and only a few hours after she had chemo. She showed up with a homemade basket of flowers (little mouse included) to give me strength and encouragement all the while battling her own cancer. I enjoyed our friendship and especially our trip to Guatemala for Rory and Kerry’s wedding. Many happy times. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul & Iola Rehn says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Diana was a beautiful person, inside and out.
She made a difference wherever she went and to whoever she met.
Her total honesty was sometimes humorous and always refreshing.
Her 3-year battle with cancer was shared with many, and we cheered for her all the way. She showed us all courage, spirit, and acceptance.
She will always be a bright light and a tender spirit in our memories.
Love,
Sonnie & Iola
Phil Maxwell says
Dan – my prayers are with you and your family.
R.F. Burke says
Dear Lynette, Randy, and families-Mike sent me the sad news of Diana’s passing. Though I had not seen her in a long time I remember her well and the happy times at the lake with Edna Mae and Jim and all of you. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Bob
Rich Southwick says
Dan, I was saddened to learn from Leo of Diane’s passing. She and you will be in our prayers.
Rose Nyman says
Dan,I was sorry to learn of your wife’s passing. It is a painful time in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rose
Therese Roberson says
Mary and family – I am so sorry for your loss.
Tom Gustin says
On behalf of the Gustin, Neuhardt and Haller families, we express our most heartfelt sorrow at your loss. Diana was always so helpful with matters at the lake, she showed a true spirit of giving and commitment and her presence will be missed for years and years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tyna Ek says
I loved the way Diana lived life on her own terms–she and that laugh of hers will be missed.
Cousin Tyna Ek (Seattle)