Diane Wilson

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Diane met her husband of 37 years, Steven K. Wilson, after moving to South Florida in the 1970s. Steve proposed to her while she was on a date with a different guy. The moral of that story: don’t sit around and wait for something to happen. Make something happen. Diane had a knack for making things happen.

The couple moved to New Hampshire in 1978, and embarked on a series of adventurous hobbies. There was farming. There was hot-air ballooning. There was kayaking, archery, bowling leagues, and biking. Recently, the focus has been traveling the country in an RV. And, of course, there was the raising of their four children, each one better than the last—at least according to her youngest, a writer who is struggling to find the words to describe the life of a woman who gave so much of herself to those around her.

Residents of Panacea, FL, since 2004, Diane’s passion for life was limitless. She was a tireless advocate for women’s rights, working as the co-president of Unite Women Florida for a number of years. A staunch democrat, Diane also served first as the treasurer and later president of the Wakulla County Democratic Woman’s Club. She touched and inspired so many people across the country through her work. A recipient of the Honoring Heroines Award from UniteWomen.org, Diane was recognized for her work advocating for the rights and equality of all women everywhere.

Diane is survived by her husband, four children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

A memorial service celebrating Diane’s life will be held in the future. Donations in her honor may be made to the DWC team at the Wakulla County Relay for Life (to be held May 8, 2015) or to Metavivor, the metastatic cancer network.