Diane Markward, a longtime resident of Arlington (formerly Bedford), passed away at Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford, on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from complications resulting from GBM brain cancer.
Diane was the beloved daughter of George and Dorothy (Dhimos) Markward of Bedford. She is also survived by her loving sister, Janet and her husband Carl Carvalho of Woburn, and brother George Markward, Jr. of Bedford; beloved nieces and nephews; Jennifer Schmidt and her husband Matthew, Brian Carvalho, Randy Carvalho and his wife Carissa, Tracy Dacey and her husband Michael, and cherished great niece, Annabell Schmidt. She also leaves behind her aunts; Margaret Dhimos and Violet Dhimos, and cousins; Cristine Dhimos, Robert Dhimos, Brenda Hurley, Penny Gold and Stanley Robinson.
Born in Boston on July 28, 1954, she was the “baby” of the family. She attended school in Arlington where she is remembered as doing cartwheels around the yard on University Road and for her Kool-Aid sales at the North Union playground pool. Diane became “queen” of the pool claiming the infamous deep spot in the middle for hours on end as a young girl and was reluctant to lose that title later as an adult.
“Di”, as known by her friends, was a warm, loving and generous person whose spirit affected all who met her. She was a woman who all admired and one no one ever wanted to let down. Di touched the lives of so many, viewed as a daughter, sister, and mother to the many who loved her. This was most evident during her time of illness as countless ones looked to support her every need.
Diane also instilled her love of life in others. She loved to travel, which included many trips to Europe and around the U.S. She especially loved time spent in Provence, Disney World and Chicago. In the summer, she was often found at the beach in Wells, Maine (she always had a beach chair in her car) or watching her favorite team, the Red Sox, whether they won or lost. She was a great fan of music, which included, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, and Carly Simon, just to name a few. Diane was an accomplished artist and those who may have one of her paintings treasure it. Among her other favorite hobbies or interests were photography, landscaping, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, an endless wardrobe, exotic birds, lighthouses, old movies and relaxing by laying out in the sun.
The greatest love Diane had was for Jehovah God and for others. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Diane viewed her main vocation to be the full time ministry. She spent 32 years of her life as a full time pioneer dedicating the majority of her time teaching others about the Bible which brought her great joy. She had the privilege of traveling to many countries around the world to attend international conventions and was an active volunteer of the Mass RBC Landscaping Dept., where she supported over 100 new and renovation projects for Kingdom Halls throughout the New England area. She will always be remembered for her coveralls with one strap undone.
Diane will be missed greatly by her many friends for the sunshine she brought to their lives. On her behalf, the family wishes to express a sincere thanks to all those who cared so loyally and lovingly for Diane during her illness. Among them being; Dr. Erik Uhlmann and the staff of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, the staff of Spaulding Rehabilitation in Boston, the staff of New England Rehabilitation in Woburn, and the staff of Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford. As one staff nurse related, “Diane is special and loved by all, she has truly a world of her own”.
A memorial talk was held on Saturday August 4, 2012 at 3PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 196 Woburn Street Lexington MA. It is encouraged that attendees carpool if possible and cooperate with the attendants in respects to parking and safety. Given the limited parking onsite and for ease of entry and exit it is advised that all who are able to, park on either Webb Street or Solomon Pierce Road. Please refrain from any parking on Woburn Street.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Medford. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.