Diane S. Anderson

Diane Elizabeth Spies Anderson, age 82, passed away peacefully on the evening of October 17, 2025.

Diane was born on Valentine's Day 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Muriel Staats Spies and Ignatius Paul Spies. She attended St. Mary's Dominican High School and later earned her bachelor's degree in education from Loyola University. Diane dedicated many years to teaching in the Orleans Parish School System, where she touched countless lives through her care and commitment to her students.

Diane's first marriage was to Don Charles Philastre, with whom she had three children: Melanie, David and Ashlie.

Diane met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Davis Anderson, in the early 1980's and they were married on October 10, 1981. Through this marriage, Diane lovingly welcomed four bonus children-Jill, Joyce, Janel, and John Anderson-into her family.

A long time member of Lake Forest Garden Club, Diane was a gifted gardener. She had a remarkable talent for creating vibrant, beautiful landscapes. Her gardens were her pride and joy, and she could often be found tending them with a smile. In 1991, Diane and Bob built a lovely home in Slidell, Louisiana, where music filled the air and dancing in the kitchen was a common sight. She affectionately called Bob "Minnesota Stiff" while she was "Louisiana Loose," a nickname that never failed to make them both laugh. Bob loved to sway with her.

The couple also owned a home in Lutsen, Minnesota, where they spent many summers and winters exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior. Diane loved hiking with Bob and their children, "hopping rocks" across rivers and streams, and collecting rock after rock from the shore to bring back home and incorporate into her gardens -a living map of their adventures together. Diane and Bob traveled extensively, creating memories all over the world.

Diane is preceded in death by her beloved Bob and her son David Charles Philastre. It is only knowing that they were there to greet Mom that makes her passing more bearable to her children. Also preceding her were her parents Muriel Staats Spies and Ignatius Spies; her grandmother Josephine Daylight Beauregard Staats ("Mommie") and her grandfather Arthur Staats ("Poppie") and her brother David Paul Spies.

She is survived by her daughters Melanie Elizabeth (Paul) Harvey and Ashlie Elizabeth Philastre Meers; her bonus daughters Jill Marie Brandell, Joyce Marie Duplantis, Janel Kay (Jay) Fielding; and her bonus son John Robert (Karen) Anderson. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Owen Christopher Ebeling, Sarah Elizabeth Harvey, Ila Grace Meers, Dia Elizabeth Daylight Meers, Christine Marie Constanza, Melissa Anne (Andy) Potter, Michael David Brandell, Nicholas Davis Duplantis, Madeline Locke Andrews, Liam Robert Fielding, Julia Grace Fielding, Chloe Josephine Fielding, and numerous great-grandchildren.

For the last four years, Diane lived at Inspired Living – Kenner. Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Executive Director Deeni Rome and her entire caring and supportive staff at Inspired for the loving care they provided. In her final months and weeks, special thanks go to Anne Favret, APRN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, and the Care Associates Hospice team - Valerie, Rachel, Koryn, and Kristin - for their exceptional compassion and support.

A visitation to celebrate Diane's life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Mass 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a reception at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Interment will be private.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with Bob and David and that her spirit will live on in every garden she tended, every song she danced to, and every heart she touched.

"We love you, Mom. Thank you for always reminding us to stop and smell the gardenias and to notice when the azaleas are blooming."