Diane Andre'

I lost a very unique and amazing woman in my life February 28, 2008, Diane (Wilke) Andre'. My mother has battled these last two decades against Gillian Barre` and cancer. Those of us who can't believe how she lived as long as she did under the staggering amount of cancer she had to deal with, need only to look at Carter and Kayden. Carter was longly anticipated by my mom and she had an instant deep connection. She always made special time to play, despite her health battle. She was determined to meet her new grandson, Kayden, born one month ago. Their time together was short, but very special. My mom was born and raised in Southern California and transplanted to Oregon in her middle teens. Her interest in art blossomed in High School. Out of High School, she went to work in sales, got married, had me (Barb) and started working towards her goal to become a professional artist. Success does not come easy in this field, but when she found a problem, she found a way around it. My mom's talent led her into a full-time career as an international art instructor. She traveled extensively across the country, teaching classes, demonstrating at state and national conventions and performing in special appearances. She had been featured in television programs and had video tapes made of "How to Paint." Until I recently went through her accomplishments, I had no idea of the depth to her success. She transformed lives all over the world. After battling her first devastating blow of a rare disease at the age of 40, she had a difficult time going back to her artwork. Most commonly known in Wenatchee, my mom was the artist behind the fun fabric of The Cellar Café. My mom was born, determined to live life on her own terms. She was deeply enamored with alternative lifestyles and ways of perceiving the world in which we live. Her great desire, was to help people. I am very proud to say that as a single mother, she always managed to be present and loving. She didn't believe in mistakes or regrets, she turned it into a learning experience. My mom always encouraged me to not follow the majority, but to always celebrate my uniqueness. Humor was my mom's touchstone and she used it liberally. Her deepest desires were to make people laugh and help them see life's alternatives. My mom's best gift to me and many of my friends, is that of a listener. When you sat down with her, you felt the deep connection and that you were really heard. Those who knew our mother-daughter relationship knew how profound it was. My mom, Diane Andre', is survived by me, her daughter, Barbara Andre' and my life partner, Lori Van Lith; her two grandchildren, Carter Elizabeth Andre'-Van Lith and Kayden Christopher Andre'-Van Lith; her mother, Mary Wilke; and three sisters, Della, Deb and Dani. Mom, I will miss you tremendously, especially the laughter, fun and most of all, unconditional love you showed me all my life. Peace and freedom await you in the next world. You have earned your rest. Please don't forget to "drop the seeds." A Celebration of her Life will be held at The Cellar Café on Sunday, March 9, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. Please write a memory, story or thought about Diane for our album and bring it Sunday or email it to n2meic@aol.com.>