Diane Himmelfarb

Diane Album Himmelfarb, 99, our beloved, died on September 15, 2023, only weeks after her 99th birthday celebration. She passed just hours before the start of Rosh Hashanah that evening, which, in Jewish tradition, signifies that she was a tzadik or righteous one, one whose deeds, teachings, and goodness are so needed by the world that God waits until the very last moment to take them. We, her family, needed her until that very last minute, too. We miss her now and will always miss her greatly.

Diane's 99 years were well-lived and well-loved, thanks to her inner fortitude, her sharp mind and quick wit (through the end), and her radiant love of family and friends. She was able to connect with people from different generations, and although having outlived so many of her contemporaries, was able to continually make new friends and be surrounded by new admirers.

Diane, the middle of 5 children, was born on July 30, 1924, to Hyman Album, a tailor, and Yetta Album (nee Rojz) in Queens, NY. Diane was the first of the Album family, emigrants from Frampol, Poland, to be born in the United States. Named Dinah, she quickly decided that wasn't quite right and changed her name to Diane. She remained decisive and usually right throughout her life.

While in high school, she met her future husband, Sol, a then-young pharmacist, when he served her at the soda counter of a drug store. It was love at first sight – she fell for his handsome face and his kibitzing banter, he fell for her beauty and grace that was inside and out.

Diane and Solomon married in 1943 when he was drafted. She lovingly accompanied him across the country as he was stationed in different places, and steadfastly waited for news during his time as a prisoner of war during World War II. They had 74+ years of marriage together as each other's truest loves; theirs was a love story that began in Queens, traveled the United States and parts of the globe together, and ultimately landed in New York's Catskill Mountains and Coconut Creek, FL, until after Sol's passing in 2018.

Diane is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Solomon Himmelfarb; her parents; sisters: Lena Penner (nee Album) and Barbara Schussel (nee Album); brothers: Lou Album and William Album; and many other dear family and friends.

Diane is survived and missed by her children: Elaine Lux-Koman, PhD (Thomas Koman) and Norman Himmelfarb, Esq. (Philis Himmelfarb); grandchildren: Matthew Lux, Esq. (Katrina Murphy, Esq.), Sarah Lux, Erin Himmelfarb Pruss (Seth Pruss, Esq.), and Timothy Lux; great-grandchildren: Quinn and Cole Pruss; along with a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, other family, and friends.

When Diane would greet a loved one, she would say your name like something wonderful just happened – like you were something wonderful – and her face would light the room. Her smile was like sunshine. She had a terrific sense of humor and could deliver a number of dry one-liners while her brown eyes danced. Toward the end of her life, when one checks on these things more, we would frequently ask, "Are you comfortable?" She would answer, as she always did, "I make a living."

She was strong, beautiful, and intelligent – yet modest. She possessed great inner confidence and integrity; she did not seek to prove her worth to others.

Practical, stoic, and brave throughout her life, Diane's philosophy was that when life gives you something to get through, all you can do is get through it. As me muz, ken men – when one must, one can; mann tracht un Gott lacht – man plans and God laughs. She would often wryly comment, "I'd like to know where the complaint department is," and, knowing there is none, soldier on without complaining or dwelling on the cards dealt to her.

She was well known and loved for being particular and quick to dismiss what wasn't quite right; her nickname at her hospice facility was Princess Diana because of her exacting attention to detail and regal manner. Her family knew the truth, which is that she was a Queen, our beloved Goldilocks, our matriarch, our lighthouse.

The world feels much different with Diane gone. But, as she taught us so well through her actions: as me muz, ken men – when one must, one can. We carry her memory and her love with us.

A special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Joe Raso Hospice who cared for her in her last months, especially those who recognized her greatness, went above and beyond in their care, loved Diane's spiritedness, and made Diane laugh.

Donations can be made in Diane's memory to the UJA-Federation of New York or the Children's Health Fund.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/diane-himmelfarb-obituary?id=53373483