Diane Elizabeth Fleming

1940 - 2017

Diane Fleming (DeWree) passed away suddenly on Dec. 15, 2017, in Anchorage, Alaska, after 77 years as a lifelong Alaskan. Diane was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She is dearly missed by her loved ones and friends alike, who take comfort knowing she is at peace with Our Lord.
Diane was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, before moving to Anchorage in 1963, where she resided until her death. Diane is a graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she earned a business degree. While teaching school in Anchorage in 1966, she met and married John C. Fleming at the Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks. Diane and John were husband and wife for over 51 years.
Diane exhibited a strong work ethic and continued to push herself to find meaningful and rewarding work her entire life. At the time of her passing she had been employed as a school bus driver for the past 18 years. Diane was a visible member of her church community at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral, where she sang and played guitar in the choir at two services every weekend, and volunteered at the church sponsored thrift store. A creature of habit, she could be found everyday enjoying the Alaska outdoors on walks through the neighborhood in all types of weather. Her hobbies included both attending and hosting garage sales, and selling her own creations and treasure finds at the holiday church bazaars.
Diane is survived by her husband, John of Anchorage; her five children, Austine of Kirkland, Wash., Stephen of Austin, Texas, Martin of Anchorage, Erin Lembke of Monroe, Wash., and Sean of San Diego, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and her siblings, Donald DeWree of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Darlene Forceskie of Anchorage. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Theresa and Frank DeWree; and her sister, Dorothy Pleet.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at 12 p.m., with a reception to follow. Archbishop Emeritus Roger L. Schwietz will celebrate the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Holy Rosary Academy, 1010 West Fireweed, Anchorage, AK 99503.