Diane Kay Berner

Diane Kay Berner

Diane Kay Berner, 80, of Easton, formerly of Allentown and Lehighton, passed away on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, after more than six months of fighting cancer with her characteristic determination.

Born on June 15, 1945, in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Donald and Clara (Cunfer) Berner.

She moved to Allentown when she was 13, but there was no place like "up home" in Mahoning Valley, which always held a special place in her heart.

Diane graduated from William Allen High School, Class of 1963, where she played softball and tennis, sang in the chorus, and was a member of a sorority. She completed a year of nursing school at Thomas Jefferson University. Ahead of her time in redefining her path, she later returned to college, earning a bachelor's degree in education and psychology from Cedar Crest College in 1990, a milestone that reflected her perseverance and independent spirit.

She had many jobs over the years, but her most meaningful work was as a mental health crisis worker at New Perspectives in Stroudsburg, where her notable empathy and compassion made a difference for those most in need.

Diane loved gardening, feeding and watching birds and squirrels, being in nature, music, theater, Amish books, trips to Lancaster and the beach, British murder mysteries, and playing cards, Password and board games. She adored her grandcats and, in her final months, took particular comfort in watching all three seasons of "Somebody Somewhere" nearly every day.

She was witty, a talented artist, and had a one-of-a-kind personality. Diane had an unmistakable laugh and a unique, often dark, sense of humor that friends and family will never forget. She was passionate about stopping the cruel and needless killing of wolves in Montana.

But most of all, Diane cherished spending time with her family and friends, all of whom she loved fiercely. A devoted mom, grandmother (Namaw) and friend, she loved holidays big and small and planned the menus weeks in advance, typically including one of her signature molasses or chocolate bundt cakes. Even everyday get-togethers were special to her. She was often the one suggesting a movie, a sleepover, or time spent looking through old photos and reminiscing. These simple moments were a joy shared by all and brought her the greatest happiness. Her warmth and humor made every gathering brighter, and time with Diane was a gift her family and friends will always treasure.

Diane was of the Jewish faith and was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mahoning Valley.

Surviving are three daughters, Karyn Zukas of Macungie, and Kristen Zohn, and her husband, Mike, and Jessica Aviva, both of Easton; and two grandsons, Alex Shaffner and Henry Zohn.

The family would like to thank the remarkable doctors, nurses and staff at St. Luke's University Health Network for their profound compassion and care.

Memorials: In keeping with her wishes, no services will be held at this time. A gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Diane's life. The family is being assisted by Strunk Funeral Home, Easton. Offer online condolences at http://www.strunkfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Footloose Montana, P.O. Box 8884, Missoula, MT 59807, http://www.footloosemontana.org, or to Wolves of the Rockies, P.O. Box 742, Stevensville, MT, 59870 http://www.wolvesoftherockies.org.