Diane Patricia Krantz McLaughlin, 68, passed away on December 5, 2024 at Harmony Memory Care in State College, PA.
Diane was born on October 15, 1956 in Erie, PA. She was the younger daughter of John S. and Patricia (Guth) Krantz.
Diane was educated in Catholic Schools and attended Penn State – Behrend for two years before transferring to University Park to complete a Bachelors of Science degree in Ag Business Management in 1978. She completed her Masters in 1980 and a PhD in 1990, both from Penn State. Diane spent her career at The Pennsylvania State University as a Professor of Rural Sociology and Demography in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education.
In November 1982, she married Robert McLaughlin at the Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church and lived happily up on the mountain in Boggs Township. She retired from Penn State as a Professor in 2015. In retirement she loved reading, bird watching, and going on long walks with the dog. She also volunteered at Centre County PAWS for a number of years.
Diane is survived by her husband, Robert and a sister, Nancy Baker in Franklin, PA. She is also survived by her extended family – both McLaughlins and Harners, who will cherish her memory forever.
Diane was a strong woman. She was kind, she was a genuine role model, and she lived a good life. She loved unconditionally and supported her family in their life’s adventures. She loved dogs, birds, nature, and had a very artistic hand. She was a quiet soul with an educated mind, a quick wit, and a fearless spirit.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Centre County PAWS or to the Glioblastoma Research Organization at gbmresearch.org
An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.