Obituary of Diane Sawyer

Diane Sawyer, 1311 Dreibelbis Street, State College, passed away unexpectedly at her home in the early morning hours of Monday April 21. She is survived by her mother, Lois Williams of Corvallis, Montana, her father Joseph P. Sawyer of American Fork, Utah, her two brothers, Thomas of Lehi, Utah and J. P. of Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also survived by her husband and devoted companion of 15 years, Dennis E. Lowe of the same address.

Diane was born in Punxsutawney, Pa. on December 18, 1955,. She graduated from Punxsutawney High School, and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in art. She traveled through the west for several years after college, settling in Portland, Oregon, where she managed several art galleries through the 1980's and 1990's. She returned to Pennsylvania, choosing to reside in State College, in 1998.

Diane was truly a unique personality, and all of those who met her were immediately touched by her upbeat and caring aura, along with her obviously genuine interest in those acquaintances from the first words that were exchanged. She was dearly loved by all of us who were privileged enough to have her in our lives, and that love was returned by her unconditionally, along with her willingness to provide solace and stability wherever and whenever she felt it would help. As time passes we will doubtless recognize even more profoundly what a unique and important person she was in our lives. The wonderful memories of that presence in our lives will continue to provide solace and strength to us, as we live the rest of our lives with her memory foremost in our hearts.

Through all of her willingness to give unconditionally to others, her bravery in facing very difficult physical issues was in inspiration to all who were aware of her struggle. Her bravery in the face of these difficulties, and never complaining about pain that would have devastated most people, represented a benchmark of courage that few of us could ever hope to measure up to, and engendered great respect for Diane's desire never to burden those who knew and loved her with her own difficulties. She was, in the existential sense, truly a 'pillar of strength' while willingly extending that strength and solace to all those around her.

Second only to her caring for those who knew and loved her, was her love for animals, and devotion to animal rights issues, to which she contributed both time and treasure. Continuing her devotion to those issues will provide an opportunity to keep Diane's spirit in the midst of the fight she cared so much about. In lieu of flowers we would request that you make contributions to “Front Range Equine Rescue” at frontrangeequinerescue.org which is at the forefront of rescuing abused and neglected horses through rescue and education. The organization spends fully 88.5% of its revenues on the program and services it delivers.

A memorial service, celebrating Diane's remarkable life, will be held Saturday May 3 at 1:00 P. M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 842 Whitehall Road State College, providing all of us with the opportunity to say good bye and Godspeed to one of the most endearing people who will ever touch our lives.

A guestbook can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfunerlhome.com.