Diane A. Slater

Diane was born in 1942 in Detroit. She was known for a sharp wit and independent spirit. In her early years she was a successful runway model and appeared in ads for Revlon and on several local television programs.

In 1962 she joined American Airlines as a stewardess and moved to Chicago with several other girls who would become lifelong friends with whom she would share many adventures in the skies. Diane married David Slater, a Captain, and they settled in California, flying the friendly skies from LAX.

In 1971 Diane and David had their son, Steven, and moved to Thousand Oaks in 1977. The families' affiliation with the airlines allowed for extensive travel, and she completed two round the world adventures, numerous cruises, and had seen such exotic locales as Africa and the pyramids of Egypt. Diane loved the decorative arts and was an accomplished painter. Here she found a group of dedicated artists that would become dear friends, and she loved hosting informal gatherings for lunch and painting at her home. These afternoons with special friends would prove healing as Diane waged a long battle against cancer in recent years. Her home housed a huge collection of hand painted furniture, paintings, and clocks she created over the years.

Following a divorce, in the late 1980s Diane returned to school, and was proud of achieving an Associate's degree from Moorpark College.

Diane is survived by her son, Steven Slater of Belle Harbor, N.Y., and his partner Ken Rochelle; grandson, Brandon Zacarias of Branson, Mo.; and many longtime friends who have been by her side during her beautiful life journey.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Robin and Aaron Gold for their selfless devotion and service to Diane's needs. Arrangements are pending.

Published in Ventura County Star from January 26 to January 29, 2011