Diane C. Weiss

Into the arms of her Lord on Sunday, July 6, 2014, after succumbing to breast and other cancers. Beloved wife of Donald T. Weiss, dearest mother of Donald E., Robert T. (deceased), and Steven R. Weiss and grandmother of Audrianna Weiss, loving sister of Sandra Jean Cook and Robert Bruce (Norma) Gesellschap, adored aunt of Richard and Donald (Karen) Cook, Michael (Regina) Gesellschap, Rebecca Gesellschap, Tim (Sheila) and Richard (Heather) Weiss, Kim (Mark) Rupert and Erika Radin. Great aunt to, and dearly loved by, Karen, Ethan, Kara and Erik Cook, Daedra, Kaitlyn, Isabel, Travis and Charley Gesellschap, Keelin and Kole Gesellschap, Brad and Colin Weiss and Andrew Rupert. Born in 1940, Diane (Dee), and her siblings lost their mother and the presence of their father in early childhood and had to face the realities of life well before they should have; but this helped form her good character and independent spirit. She married Don in 1960 and over the next four years bore three sons, one of whom was tragically taken at age 16. She remained a stay at home wife and mother for fifteen years and then began working at Kroger as a checker for a good length of time. She then worked at her church for over ten years as a secretary, where, among other duties, she coordinated the evangelism outreach programs and participated as well, calling on those living nearby. She also sang in the choir and was active in the Care ministry, youth ministry, and the prayer circle. After leaving the church, she worked for UMB Bank as a Personal Banker and finally in the Public Works office of local government. Diane was friendly to everyone she encountered while out and about, whether walking the dogs, at the store, or the local swimming pool, greeting and often chatting, asking their name so she would know if they met again, and she always remembered. She was friends with everyone who wanted her friendship, and wanted everyone to be her friend, from all stations of life, and went out of her way to befriend people, even those who were a little different, perhaps a little slow, or a little rough around the edges, people that others might avoid, but people who especially needed a friend - and they loved her for it. She as well went out of her way to help people in any way she was able. Even until a year ago, It was not unusual to see her early on a Winter morning after a heavy snow shoveling the long uphill drive of our elderly neighbors, or cutting the high hillside grass of the lady with MS. No, nary a person could dare say anything unkind about Diane and expect to be believed. Dee loved all God's creatures, and with her husband, rescued many stray and abandoned animals, often pregnant, bringing them home, adopting them out to good families and opening her home to the rejects. She fed the wild birds and watched the doves, finches, cardinals and sparrows out the dining room window. She loved the antics and aerobatics of the hummingbird as they maneuvered for dominance of the feeders. When she was still considering a new home with acreage, she would always inquire whether she could have horses and goats on the grounds. Even our real estate agent, Cassie became a special friend. Dee treasured her sister-in-law as if she were a sister. All those related to Dee through marriage were as much family and as highly regarded as direct relatives, and their children were loved just the same. She always looked up to her younger brother Bruce, a true man among men, and he loved her deeply; they were very close. He grieves that he could not be with her now, or in her last days and hours due to an accident and resulting immobility. Diane's sister, Sandy, so looked forward to her occasional trip to visit her in San Diego and walk the beach. Sandy now grieves that she can no longer look forward to her visits; that she will no more see her diminutive big sister. Many of her close friends have known Dee for over sixty years and they honor her by their presence, their prayers, and in their grief, but they have honored her especially by their friendship over these many years; she was blessed with a truly remarkable circle of friends. Diane had some near-fatal health issues some years back, congestive heart failure, pulmonary blood clots and a tumor on the lung. She pulled through, much to the doctors’ surprise. She was on oxygen for quite a while, but she did not let that slow her down. She still swam and rode her bike with an oxygen canister in her bike bag. She was determined not to let such minor matters impede her activities, and she succeeded. Her Dutch stubbornness served her well. She loved the outdoors, hating having to be inside in nice weather, and lived for those days when she could swim laps at the pool or bike ride on the KATY Trail or around Creve Coeur Lake for 20 to 25 miles, so long as it was above 50 degrees and there was a light wind. Each was as much as a social occasion for Dee as it was therapeutic, attitudinally and physically, chatting all the way with her dear friends, Janice and Pat while the men biked ahead and talked politics. Some of Dee's friends had an opportunity to express their love and hold her hand as she neared death in those last few days, difficult though it was for them. Others called and emailed with kind and comforting words and advice to the family. Still others, knowing that her time was limited, hosted get together s so she could once more see everyone. We thank them all profusely. In her last days, Dee has had many angels in human form hovering over and ministering to her, both close friends and the incredible and courageous nurses and assistants from SSM Hospice. The family could not have gotten through this without you. An hour before the end Dee was visited by another angel, an angel of mercy in the person of SSM Hospice Sister-nurse Jo Ann who attended to Dee's needs, made her comfortable and together with Dee's husband Don, saw her through her passing with prayer and much love What can one say about such wonderful people but that they are God blessed, strong yet gentle, and heroes among us in our moments of need, doing the Lord's work. We are deeply grateful. Perhaps most important is that Diane knew well her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When she spoke of spiritual matters, she spoke with absolute certainty without a hint of doubt of her beliefs. Diane Carole Weiss, Rest in Peace, you will be remembered. WEISS, DIANE C., 73, asleep in Jesus, July 6, 2014. Graveside Service, Sat., July 12, 11 a.m.,at New Bethlehem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to SSM Hospice or Stray Rescue would be appreciated. On-line guestbook at www.hutchensmortuary.com

Diane C. Weiss

September 12, 1940 - July 6, 2014