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Diane Forde Obituary
Diane Marie (Lund) Forde died peacefully at home in Mukilteo Washington on July 12, 2016 after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer.
Diane was born on March 14, 1943 in Petersburg Alaska; and grew up in a small home on Lumber Street with her dad Arne, mom Dolores, and brother Dennis. She graduated PHS, Salutatorian of her class in 1961, and chose Oregon State University to continue her education.
While still in High School in Alaska; she met Alf Forde from Ketchikan, who was playing basketball against her home-team. They were introduced, and their love story began.
Diane graduated from OSU in 1965. Most notably; Diane was the second female president of the student body. She was also voted one of ten Outstanding Seniors in her final year at OSU. Diane's intelligence and beauty, and indelible social skills were recognized wherever she went, and set the stage for her future.
Diane went-on to a life of selflessly volunteering her time and talents. She worked tirelessly keeping books for Alf and Dianes' commercial fishing business. She was a proud member of the Daughter's of Norway, sat on an advisory board for the Everett Herald, was part of the SnoKing Chorale, and countless school and church organizations. Special to Diane's heart was Maple Park Lutheran Church, where she played piano and organ, accompanying countless musicians, and services. Diane never said 'No', and loved to help wherever she was. Always with a smile, and her beautiful way: making the people she was with feel special and loved. She was a friend to everyone she met.
Diane's greatest achievement was her family, who brought her so much joy and happiness...and validated her belief in kindness and love.
She is survived by her husband, Alf, of 51 years. Daughters Kirsten Forsythe, (Jon), Kari McIntyre, (Steve), Kaia DeBoer, (JP). Grandchildren Nicholas, Chandler (Zackary), Hannah, Tessa, Karl, Trygve, and Sylvi. Brother, Dennis Lund (Nancy).
Diane was covered in Love and Care in her final days, and always kept her deep faith in God.
In lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to the wonderful team at Swedish Cancer Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 6th, 1:00pm at Aurora Community Nazarene Church: 1900 N. 175th St., Shoreline WA 98133.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diane Forde
Sponsored by The Family.
David Miller
August 4, 2023
Diane you lovely woman. I have been mourning the passing of my best friend Alf until I received the reminder of your passing in 2016. It was then that I realized that my grief for the loss of Alf was a homecoming and reuniting with you! I'm now able to let go of some of my grief for my loss knowing that you and he are together again!
Oh how God has a way of reminding us of who is in charge!
Enjoy your reunion!
Kathy Szabo
July 22, 2022
I grew up next to Diane I was good friends with her daughter Kirsten At the young age of 4-6 then we moved and the Fordes also moved we went our ways and reunited shortly after Diane passed I will
Forever cherish the times I remember when Diane made us girls dress up clothes we were pilgrims and I loved every minute of those blessed memories! Diane filled my childhood with memories I will truly cherish Forever
Thank You
Diane
Many Hugs
Kathy Szabo
Rod Commons
October 10, 2016
Diane, you were and inspiration to so many at OSU and in the years that followed. You treated everyone with the same sweet spirit and always had time for everyone. I'll never forget the day you called and said "take care of my baby,' she's going to be a Cougar. My chance to pay you back for just being who you were. Go Beavers and God Bless.
Yvonne Welk
August 5, 2016
To Alf, Kirsten, Kari , Kala, grand children and Dennis,
I would like to tell you what a wonderful family you are. Diane was such a wonderful lady and friend. I'm so saddened at what she has gone through the with her illness. We have lived in Marysville for 20 years now. Jim has passed. I know you all will miss her so much. I don't drive much anymore so I'm not able to attend the service. God be very close to you all and be your help. Our prayers Welk family. I don't have email so I gave you Lynns
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Gail Sweet
August 5, 2016
Alf, Kirsten, Kari, Kaia, Dennis and families, I am so sorry for your loss and pain of missing her. Diane has been such an inspiration to all those who knew her. As painful as her journey of the past 5 years, she never focused on her pain. She lived for others and showed how she cared in what was going on around her and not about her. She reflected positive thoughts, love, joy, laughter, sweetness, compassion, courage and strength. All this I see throughout her family. She is proud of all of you and I know the love she has for all of you as you have for her. It has been such a blessing to have known her. I know how much she will be missed and loved forever. My daughter arrives from back east the day of her celebration of life but I will be there in thoughts and spirit. Gail (Elkins) Sweet
Kathy Szabo
August 5, 2016
Diane you are Blessed with so much Love and Kindness , I will always keep you in my heart , growing up and living 2 doors away on Corliss I always enjoyed coming to your home , you fed us snacks and lunch and always kept us girls busy , something I will alway treasure !
I'm so sorry to know you had gone through one of the hardest battles but if I remeber right you have always had such courage to defend your family and yourself . It's been over 45 yrs of seeing you but I always have kept your beauty in my heart and will continue to cherish my childhood for you left a Beautiful mark for me to Never forget your gental touch your giving heart and your Priceless Beauty of Love for all of us girls ! Although it's been so many years I have never forgot how much you cared and gave your time to spend with us girls , it's heartbreaking to know you have moved on , but I truly believe we will see each other in our next journey ! Rest easy know you are truly missed and will always be a Beautiful memory for me to hold and cherish !
Thank you Mama Diane I have the tears of Happy Memories but sadness too , as growing up you always made a Boo Boo go away and you put a a Star in my eyes ! I have kept my memories close for you Disne taught me how to give and love as a small child and I continue to hold those memories forever ! Love you and truly miss you !
Amy Crane
August 5, 2016
Auntie Diane was such a loving and caring person in her life and I know she is now an Angel for all our families. I know in my heart that she wants us all to take care of each other, to find beauty in ourselves, and live our lives with Love. We miss her so much and are grateful for the time we had her here on this Earth!
Sending All Our Love,
J.P., Amy, Danika, Anders, and Jax Sallup <3
August 4, 2016
Alf & The girls
Diane was a lovely lady in every possible way. Warm, sincere, funny, and a pleasure to be with.... We will always remember the Jimmy Buffet concert with you both... Know that our hearts and prayers are with you all
ox
John & Charlotte
Bulu and Paresh Parekh
August 4, 2016
Diane, what a vibrant, full of life, loving and a beautiful person inside and out. She is my inspiration. We miss her but very thankful to have her in our life.
Bob & Joanne Miller
August 3, 2016
We are so thankful to GOD for blessing us with the whole Forde Family as our friends and neighbors. Beautiful Diane...so gracious, generous, kind and thoughtful. We miss her.
Steve Nygren
August 3, 2016
Diane was such a complete person in so many good ways. My deepest condolences.
Love, Cousin Steve
Gudrun Nygren
August 3, 2016
To: Alf & Family
You know how close I was to Diane. I can't say enough about Diane and her family. I am so sorry that I will not be coming to the funeral, as I am not up to the travel. My thoughts will be with you.
Love, Aunti Gud
Jean Curry
August 2, 2016
I am so sorry for all of you yet glad she is in a better place. She was one of the kindest, most giving, fun, beautiful........(.and I could go on) friend I have ever known. I picture her up there having a nice catch up' lunch with Janice and Marilyn. My heart goes out to all of you she left behind. What a wonderful family.
Gail Nygren
August 2, 2016
There are so many superlatives to use in describing Diane. The one work that stands out to me is graciousness. I will miss her. My condolences to Alf, Kirsten, Kari, Kaia and all the family.
Trish Kinney
August 2, 2016
I have memories of a beautiful smile, a beautiful lady who was truly supportive of her children - of all of the kids who attended Alderwood Middle School and Lynnwood Senior High School. I was saddened to hear of Diane's passing. She raised beautiful girls and made a positive impact on the lives of those she touched. My prayers and condolences to Kirsten and the rest of your family during this time.
August 1, 2016
Dear Alf, Kirsten, Kari, Kaia and families, Mary Ellen and I want to extend our sympathy to all of you. Diane was a wonderful person. I remember how supportive she was as a parent back during those wonderful years at Oak Heights. I was fortunate to share a birthday with her which kept us in touch off and on the past forty years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack O'Donnell
Bill Kelly
August 1, 2016
Diane was amazing. We didn't talk often but, when we did--I always felt close to Diane. The joy she shared was contageous and smiling was easy after talking with her. Our family also lived in Petersburg and Mom & Dad were very close to Arne and Dolores but because i was 9 years younger, we didn't get to know each other until Dolores moved from Alaska to the Seattle area.
Diane's passing brings sadness to my heart but.... i know we will see each other again! Praise God!
Bill Kelly
Anna Egli
August 1, 2016
Even so far away and many years later, talking to her on the phone was as if we had talked yesterday. Remembering her always as my Mom Love Annie
Seth & Lynda Dawson
July 31, 2016
Diane led us all by example with her courage, faith, grace and strength. We are especially sad for her family's loss.
Sharon Braid
July 30, 2016
If there ever was an angel on earth, it would have to have been my beautiful cousin Diane. She was one of the kindest and sweetest people that I have ever known. You will be missed by so many and I know that whenever I think of you, it will put a big smile on my face. I love you cuz!
Trish Holt
July 30, 2016
We will miss you very much Diane.
David Miller
July 30, 2016
What immediately comes to mind when remembering Diane is grace and elegance. Our prayers are with Alf and Diane's entire family.
Dave & Ruthie Miller
July 30, 2016
Diane was an integral part of our Daughters of Norway lodge. Always willing to do anything and all things for the betterment of our lodge. We especially enjoyed her musical talents!!! She is already greatly missed and will continue to be so. We are grateful to have known her personally. Our condolences to her much loved family. Sincerely, Carolyn Otterness, President, Daughters of Norway, Thelma Lodge #26.
Jim Smaaladen
July 30, 2016
Sorry will not be to attend. Auntie Diane was one of kind. Words cannot do justice to how kind, loving and special she was!
Jim Smaaladen and family (Orange,CA)
Bill Kumma
July 29, 2016
A beautiful woman from the inside out... I always loved singing with her. Love and prayers to Kaia, Kari, and Kirsten...
July 29, 2016
We are praying for God's peace and presence with all of you that will greatly miss Diane.
Love,
Dan and Cookie Michalsen
July 29, 2016
My sympathy and love to all you. Sandy Ballinger
Friends at Hearing & Balance Lab
July 29, 2016
We will always remember Diane and her sweet spirit! She will be truly missed.
Helen Kendall
July 29, 2016
Bill and I will miss having an extraordiary friend and neighbor. We will cherish the memories we have of Diane forever in our hearts.
Cheri Groves
July 29, 2016
To all of the family of Diane the most amazing Mom,wife,sister,aunt,Grandma,friend, and mom to children whom she made feel as if they were here own; she will be missed greatly and remembered forever. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. Hugs to you all. ❤
Mary Gann
July 29, 2016
I Will Love And Miss You Always My Beautiful Awesome Courageous Cousin Diane - I Will Always Cherish Our Years Growing Up In Petersburg - What An Awesome Family We Shared - Memories Will Last Forever - Cousin Mary Ann
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