Diane Sewell McDermott
1936 - 2012
Diane Sewell McDermott
1936 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
Diane McDermott Obituary
Diane loved being a mom and a grandmother, she loved to travel, and she adored animals, including her beloved golden retrievers. She was very involved in her church and in numerous volunteer activities including serving on the board of the Kansas City Symphony Designers' Showhouse and the board of the Johnson County Catholic Charities Food Pantry. While always looking to give back to others, Diane was also fiercely dedicated to friends and family. She lived life to the fullest, met challenges head on, learned as she went and helped others learn from her knowledge and experience, providing mentoring and counseling that continues to touch the lives of those who knew her.
Diane is survived by three sons, Ken Swenson (Eva Cicoria), Matt Kelley, and Ryon McDermott (Heidi); by two daughters, Elizabeth Wislar (Anthony) and Erin Mos (Stephen); and by five grandchildren, Danielle and Bree Swenson; Clare Wislar; and Morgan and Damon Mos.
The family wishes to thank the St. Lukes South ICU team for their dedicated and compassionate care, and friends Kathy Elson and Denise Snodell for their love and friendship and for always being there.
A visitation will be held between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2012, at Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the Church of the Nativity at 3800 West 119th Street, Leawood, Kansas 66209. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Nativity at the address below, or to KC Pet Project at KCpetproject.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sharilyn Wells
September 8, 2013
wonderful person
Diane helps prepare the church for Lent 2012.
Suzy Meyer
September 1, 2012
Diane was a good friend and co-volunteer at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood Kansas. Her friendly smile; warm and welcoming each Wednesday as we garhered to beautify our church, helped to create a friendly atmosphere for the Art and Environment committee. Thank you for organizing our fun outings and events. Your loving, creative and hard working presence will be missed.
Thomas Woodruff
August 31, 2012
Diane was my academic advisor and friend. Her laughter, wit, and intelligence are just the beginning of what made her such a special person. I am fortunate for having Diane as a mentor in life.
Glenna Dick
August 31, 2012
Diane was a charming lady and a wonderful neighbor. We will miss her.
Glenna and Jerry Dick
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Tiffany Nixon Kelley
August 31, 2012
I had the wonderful pleasure of getting to know Diane last year, when her grandson was in my classroom. She was a dynamic volunteer, who spent time with us on field trips, in the classroom and at parties and celebrations. She was a warm, caring and wonderful mentor to my students. Diane will truly be missed.
Love, prayers and comforting thoughts to all of us who were touched by her kindness.
Mali Bullard
August 30, 2012
Diane was my academic advisor and mentor for 7 years. Her warmth, encouragement, and support were always present. I am eternally grateful for the influential role she played in my life. She will be deeply missed.
Rebecca Moberly
August 30, 2012
Diane was an amazing woman. As an alumni of KU Counseling Psychology, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from someone who was so smart, so wise, and so balanced. She was a great woman who used her power and influence in many arenas, but always for good. She will be greatly missed.
Sherry Benton
August 30, 2012
Diane was my advisor in the graduate program at KU. She was a fabulous mentor and friend. Without her I'm not sure I would have made it through, her support and humor kept me going. She will be missed.
August 30, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Diane through her work with Student tours at the KCSA Showhouse. She was fantastic with this job and we will sorely miss her!
Marcia Hawk
Mary Koncak
August 30, 2012
I met Diane rather recently through the Nativity book club and liturgical committee and even at lunch bunch. What a wonderful lady! I wish I could have known her longer. My heart goes out to her family. She will be missed. love and prayers, Mary
Pavan Mann
August 30, 2012
Diane was my mentor and advisor at KU. Because of her, I was able to complete my Ph.D. and I wouldn't be where I am today in my life without her guidance and support. You will be missed, Diane. Love and prayers to your family.
August 30, 2012
We will miss you and your contribution of your talent to the Symphony Showhouse. You always seemed to say the right thing to boost the comfidence of those around you. Rest in peace and my god help your family through their sorrow.
Helen Miller
August 30, 2012
I remember how soon Diane became involved with the Kansas City Symphny Alliance when she retired from teaching at KU, Lawrence. She freely shared her talents.She defintely did not sit around in her reitrement! She will be missed.
Leota Larson
August 30, 2012
Diane was a great lady. I have known her since 1966 while she lived in whitewater. We rode together to Madison and were in the same Counseling Psychology program.
She was with me at the hospital while I was in labor with Lareena.
Ken and my sons Marc and Kent were togather at either our house or her most of the time.
She will always be loved Leota
Walker Woods
August 30, 2012
Erin, Steve, Morgan, and Damon
Our deepest sympathies. We are thinking of you all.
Michael Lemon
August 30, 2012
I took several of my initial courses in Counseling Psychology with Diane. I am thankful to have learned from her in the classroom and through her rich life experiences. Sending my thoughts and prayers to her entire family.
August 30, 2012
Diane was very important in my development as a counseling psychologist. I will miss her and I admire her love of family, faith, and her infectious enthusiasm for life. She was always fun to laugh with. Her family is in my prayers and I will remember her fondly.
Barbara and Jim Holzmark
August 30, 2012
To Diane's Family: I am at a loss for words, but wanted you to know that your Mother was one wonderful lady and we in KCSA, already miss her terribly! She was the light and sunshine every time I saw her and I will think of her often! I sent her a card when she had her knee surgery, but never heard how she was getting along. I now know and send you my deepest sympathy. It was my pleasure working with Diane, especially this year. I am sorry I will be out of town for the service, but I send to you my best for you and your families. Very Sincerely, Barbara and Jim
Monica Gfoeller
August 30, 2012
She was a lovely person.
Marti Miller
August 30, 2012
Diane brought grace and integrity to our organization, Kansas City Symphony Alliance. She will be missed. Her school tours of the Designers' Showhouse were loved by the children and extended our purpose of education programs for youth.
We send our sympathy to her family and pray for God's blessing and healing.
Sarah Hastings
August 30, 2012
Diane talked about her children often. She was very proud of the people they became. I am grateful for her mentoring at KU. She will not be forgotten!
August 30, 2012
Ken,Matt,Lisa,Erin,&Ryon,
So very sorry to hear of Diane's death. We had been friends and colleagues since we first met in 1973. Diane loved life and enjoyed living her life.
In sympathy, Sherry Borgers, College Station, TX
Tammy Mikinski
August 29, 2012
Diane was extremely supportive of me as a graduate student and colleague. She was an important early role model for women in Counseling Psychology. I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She was so proud of all of you.
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10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131
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