Diane A. Neville

Diane A. Neville died peacefully at her Scranton home on Feb. 15, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin C. Neville, M.D., on April 1, 2012.

Born in Franklin on July 2,1933, she was the daughter of the late Sara Berenice Rial Adelman and Henry George Adelman. She graduated salutatorian of her 1950 Franklin High School class, attended Clarion College for two years and graduated with a Master of Arts from the Francis Payne School of Nursing at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1955. She worked as a nurse at the Case Western Reserve Hospital, and in 1965, became one of only seven women accepted in that year's Case Western Reserve medical school class.

On Aug. 25,1966, she married Dr. Edwin Charles Neville. They lived in West Virginia, Ohio and Connecticut, before settling in Scranton, Pa., in 1972. They happily raised their children, Meg and Pat, as well as many large dogs, on North Washington Avenue. Diane devoted much time and love to restoring their home with Pat's help, and she could frequently be seen gardening in the front lawn. She loved her weekly bridge games with her neighborhood friends.

Among her many contributions to the community, she was a longtime board member of the Greater Scranton YMCA, the United Way, the Women's Medical Auxiliary, the Christmas Bureau and was the founder and chief cheerleader and operating officer of the St. Paul's Friday night ski club.

Diane encouraged the passions of her family and her children's friends with extraordinary enthusiasm and care. On wintry weekend mornings, she could be found in the Elk Mountain race shack with a clipboard in hand, recording race times while her son, Pat, raced. In the summers, she was behind the wheel of the family motorboat, hauling assorted kids on water skis around Lake Wallenpaupack. She fostered daughter, Meg's, love of art, fashion and theater with frequent trips to New York City's museums and theaters.

As partner to her husband, Edwin, Diane provided wise counsel, support and a strong foundation for their shared family life. As a couple, they shared a profound belief in the importance of contributing to the betterment of the community.

Diane's loving care for those around her, especially those who were suffering, was one of her most treasured qualities, as was her forthright honesty, seasoned with a dash of humor.

She always cheered for the underdog. She was interested in everyone and everything, read several newspapers a day, and more books than the Green Ridge Library could stock.

Hers was an indomitable spirit, with an unquenchable love of life and to her last day, she had a twinkle in her eye and a glorious smile for her loved ones.

Proud grandmother of Daisy, Sunny and Nate Wanger, friend to so many, she will be deeply missed, but the memory of her great spirit will continue to burn bright.

She is survived by son, Patrick C. Neville, Dunmore; daughter, Meg and husband, Christopher Wanger and their children, Daisy, Sunny and Nate, of Mill Valley, Calif.; brothers, David Adelman, of Monroeville; Henry Adelman, of Cupertino, Calif.; and William Adelman, of Franklin.

Friends may call Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home at 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Church at 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore, PA 18512.