Diana Marie Howard

She was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Wayne and Mary Grillet on May 12th, 1950. She grew up on a farm in the small town of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. As the oldest of 6 children she was often responsible for taking care of her siblings—3 brothers and 2 sisters: Jeff, Sandy, Nancy, Phillip, and Michelle. This proved to be a theme throughout her life as she cared for anyone in need who crossed her path. She had her health challenges over the years, but she never let that slow her down. Once her mind was set, there was no stopping her. Her many long-term friends can attest to that.

She was an active member of the church at an early age, teaching Sunday school for many years. She was always giving of her time, energy, and love. A woman with great compassion and empathy, she was known to speak her mind and was highly respected for doing so. Her beautiful voice and love of singing was most influenced by her high school music teacher, Mrs. New. With that talent, she was often asked to sing solos and for special events.

After high school, she moved to Pennsylvania to be with her aunt, Mary Ellen, and cousins: Michael, Mindy, and Marty Long. There she met her first husband, Michael Howard. Together they moved back to Iowa to raise a family of 2 children, Christopher and Nonnie Howard. Things didn’t work out with her husband and she continued to raise her children on her own with support from her family.

With courage, in 1981 she packed up her family and belongings to work for Hewlett Packard in Boise, Idaho as a Computer Technician. She worked there for 30 years before moving on to continue her career elsewhere. As an early pioneer of women in a technical field, she met and overcame many challenges. She was an active speaker and leader in Toastmasters International along with other technical organizations.

Her son, Chris, was the first to provide her with beloved grandchildren, Delilah and Gabrielle Howard. In the fall of 2010 she moved to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania to be close to her daughter, Nonnie, and soon-to-be-born 3rd grandchild, Chloe Mann.

Of all her time devoted to her church family, she was most active at St. Matthew’s United Methodist in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. There she met many new close friends and adopted family. It is here that she will be remembered by spreading her ashes in their sanctuary garden. The memorial will be held outside, with a small guest list, on January 6th at 11am (eastern time). It will be live streamed and recorded for anyone that would like to participate online (details to be provided). In the spring, a luncheon will be held at her church and open to anyone who would like to attend.

During a time of unemployment, Diana was blessed to be taken care of, at no cost, by The Clinic in Phoenixville, PA. In lieu of flowers she would be honored if you would consider donating to this organization so they may continue to serve those in need.

https://www.theclinicpa.org/donate

Alternatively, you can send a donation to her church.

https://www.stmatthewsvf.org/giving

May her spirit live on with Grace and Peace