Diane Paige Spencer

Diane Paige Spencer was born in Calvary Alberta, Canada on July 24th, 1933. Her father, Frazer Paige, was one of 7 victims of a hotel fire in Tisdale, Saskatchewan Canada. He died before Diane was born. Her mother, Elsie H. Scott, came to Vista in the 1940s, where she met and married George H. Crenshaw. Elsie was well-known in Vista as Secretary of the Vista Irrigation District for 23 years.

Diane grew up in Vista, attended Vista High School, and graduated in 1951. She then attended San Diego State University, UCLA, and continued classes at several other colleges. She was a history major.

Diane met Herbert T. Spencer through mutual friends. They were married June 24th, 1956 at Community Church of Vista. They spent their honeymoon in San Francisco and then lived in Oceanside. Diane worked at San Diego Gas and Electric at that time. She also worked at Southern California Gas Company in Los Angeles, and later, was employed at the Torrance Unified School District as a teacher’s aide.

Diane and Herb adopted both of their children through the Children’s Home Society in Los Angeles. Gregory Scott Spencer was born on June 18, 1962 and Karen Elizabeth Spencer was born on September 20th, 1964. The family moved several times, but settled in Torrance for a number of years. Diane and Herb acquired and managed a 4-unit apartment building, then moved to Cranbrooke Street in 1978, where they made many close friendships.

Diane came home to Vista, California in 1984, when Herb’s work location was transferred to San Diego County. They lived together at 705 Berkeley Way for 30 years. Diane and Herb acquired and managed four houses, a condo, and a 6-unit apartment building in the Vista and Oceanside areas. Diane’s activities also included flower and vegetable gardening and geneology research. She helped many friends and neighbors discover the whereabouts of loved ones. Diane and Herb were also very active with the TRW retiree group and with high school reunion events. They also hosted many gatherings for friends, neighbors, classmates and co-workers over the years.

Diane’s most recent interest has been fostering dogs scheduled for euthanasia through and organization called SPOT (Saving Pets One at a Time). SPOT is a non-profit, all volunteer advocate for homeless cats and dogs. Herb and Diane were able to foster 5 dogs in the past 2 years- 4 were adopted and one became their own pet. It is Diane’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to SPOT at 2530 Vista Way , Ste. F-103, Oceanside, California 92054.

Diane is survived by Herb Spencer, Gregory Spencer, Karen Streiff, and 3 grandchildren: Thomas, Annelise and Lucy Streiff. The family thanks you for the friendship, support and love that were shared with Diane. She was a most beautiful and remarkable woman.