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BORN
1933
DIED
2018
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Diane Crossfield Obituary
February 27, 1933 - December 1, 2018
Diane Ansara Crossfield of Modesto, CA passed away on December 1, 2018 at 4:35am with her children Lori and Michael at her side. Mercifully, she did not suffer a long illness but rather complications from a severe stroke several days prior.
Diane was born in San Francisco, CA on February 27, 1933 to parents Bebe (Sahati) and Alfred Ansara. Her beloved husband of 28 years Dr. John H. Crossfield pre-deceased her in 2009 as did her older brother Alfred in 1977. Diane is survived by her loving younger brother Robert, her children Lori Akers and Michael Hess; their spouses Charles and Maureen; grandchildren Kimberly, Peter and Thomas Rubens, Theodore and Matthew Akers. Diane is also lovingly survived by her sister-in-law Lynne, her nieces Julie, Valerie and Jennifer and her step-children Mary Ann, John and Alex.
Diane was a graduate of Sarah Dix Hamlin School for Girls in San Francisco and attended University of California, Berkeley prior to her first marriage in 1955 to Edwin H. Hess of Stockton, CA. Diane was a proud mother and homemaker save for a career stint in the late 70's as Beauty Salon Manager at Joseph Magnin in San Francisco. Upon marrying John Crossfield in 1981, Diane moved from San Francisco to Modesto where she immediately made myriad friends through her many social and charitable activities.
Diane deeply loved her family, friends and her church community at Centenary Methodist Church. She was a spirited, fun-loving, kind, compassionate woman - always with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. Diane was admirably, fiercely independent until the end – if friends were unavailable to join her, she frequently attended concerts at the Gallo Center by herself. Diane was generous with her time through dedicated contributions to many charities ranging from school fundraisers for her children, local grassroots foundations, and as recently as a week prior to her passing, ringing the Salvation Army bell on Modesto street corners. She touched so many with her warmth and grace and was quick to remind us in times of distress: "This too shall pass".
Services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 12pm at Centenary Methodist Church, McHenry Ave at Tokay, Modesto. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a gift be made in Diane's name to Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Memories and Condolences
for Diane Crossfield
4 Entries
David (Don) Berelson
December 11, 2018
I last saw Diane and the Ansara family some 60 years ago. She was a beautiful young woman, and like her mother and father, and brothers Al and Bob, was a kind, generous, authentic person. We lived just a few doors away, and Bob was my best friend before we all went off to college and careers.
Their goodness has stayed with me through the years, and it is with profound sadness to know that Diane has passed from us all.
December 9, 2018
This too shall pass . . . Death is not the end. Prayers for the family in this difficult time
Michael Donnelly
December 8, 2018
May God bless and keep Diane. Only met her once or twice but I worked with Jack for many years. They are together again.
December 7, 2018
Kind thoughts are with your family at this very difficult time of grief. May your fond memories bring you comfort. God's promise at Jeremiah 29:11,12 will give you strength.
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Memorial Events
for Diane Crossfield
Funeral services provided by:
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
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