June 11, 1939 –
Diane Dailey was born in 1939 near Seattle, Washington. Her parents were Howard and Lavern Dailey. Diane, a committed Christian, received a degree in Bible Studies from Simpson University and a teaching credential from Seattle Pacific University. She taught elementary school in the Seattle area, specializing in improving children’s reading skills. To do so, she built up her own library to have books on appropriate levels of the children she helped. She also taught Sunday School during those years. In 1999, she greatly enjoyed time in Ukraine, helping develop a wheelchair ministry at an orphanage.
Diane married Tom Venable in June of 1974 at the First Baptist Church, downtown Seattle. They had met at a young singles’ group at that church - a group that stays in touch with each other to this very day.
While still single, Diane traveled with a mission group over the northern continent of Africa as well as across southern Canada from Victoria to Quebec. After marriage, Diane and Tom traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey.
During their years of marriage, Tom and Diane moved 9 times in 22 years. Tom still marvels how well Diane handled all the aspects of moving on very short notice (like one week). In May of 1977, daughter Erin was born, and Diane dedicated her life to raising a “Renaissance Baby” – one who would have every advantage of art, music, and dancing, as well as sports. Diane herself enjoyed crafts, doing beautiful work in needle point and macramé. She also excelled in Avon sales during this time.
Diane suffered a terrible fall in 2012, breaking her back and impacting their life greatly. Tom’s health was not good either at this point, and in 2013 they moved to University Village, where they participated in Bible Studies and Vespers. Diane enjoyed balance classes and was a member of the Health and Welfare Committee. Together they enjoyed almost every excursion that was offered as well as “Leo’s” (eating off-site). In 2016 Diane moved to Oakview, entering the Gardens in 2017.
Diane is survived by her husband Tom, her daughter Erin, and a granddaughter, Emily Howard. Diane’s life will be celebrated at a private graveside service and later at a University Village celebration, details to be announced.
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