Diane Braegger

Diane Braegger

June 2, 1950 - September 8, 2025

While listening to the Wicked soundtrack, Diane Braegger passed away peacefully after a battle with Alzheimer's dementia at the age of 75 on September 8, 2025. Diane was born on June 2, 1950, in Vernal, Utah, to Don Clarence Braegger and Barbara Jeane Christopherson. Due to her father's profession, she also lived in Hailey, Idaho; McCall, Idaho; Salmon, Idaho; and Logan, Utah, before finally settling in Ogden, Utah, at the age of 12.

Diane attended Ogden City schools, graduating from Ben Lomond High School in 1968. She furthered her education at Weber State College on a full debate scholarship, graduating in 1972. She won many debates, both individually and with her team, culminating in a National Championship in 1971, where she and her partner defeated universities such as USC and UCLA.

After graduating from college, Diane continued working for Mountain Bell and AT&T. She had a highly successful career, beginning as an operator and eventually assisting in the AT&T divestiture in 1984. This required her to commute frequently to New York City, which she more than willingly accepted and enjoyed.

Diane had many passions and hobbies, including travel (she especially loved Ireland), painting, fashion, and collecting (music, books, movies, Muffies, Hoppies). She also loved shopping, both retail and online. Each year she made sure to watch every movie nominated for Best Picture, and with her bowl of popcorn she eagerly viewed the Academy Awards, expressing either her excitement or displeasure. She would have made a wonderful movie critic and even corresponded with, and met, Rex Reed at his New York City townhouse to get his autograph.

One of her greatest pleasures was Broadway theatre. She often attended performances in New York City, but also supported the arts in Utah, frequently attending productions at the Ogden Musical Theatre as well as the Capitol and Eccles Theatres. She enjoyed sharing her passion with her nieces and nephews once they were old enough to attend with her. Today, they all continue to share her love of theatre as adults.

Diane's creative abilities were also on full display during the annual stake roadshows. She wrote, composed, directed, and even designed sets and costumes. Every young person in the ward looked forward to being part of her productions. Her directorial style famously included a whistle around her neck, which she frequently blew.

Although Diane never married, she lovingly raised and nurtured several fur babies - Smokey, Cleo, MyLady, Alex, Angel, and Oompa. They were her children, her greatest treasures, and the loves of her life.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Jeane Braegger, as well as her beloved four-legged companions. She is survived by her three siblings: Janet Lang (Ben), Alan Braegger (Cindy), David Braegger (Leslie), and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Peaks at Clinton, especially Anita, as well as her nurse Katie from Inspiration Home Healthcare and Hospice, for their kind and compassionate service to our sister.

The family also expresses gratitude to Myers Mortuary of Ogden, Utah for their compassionate care and assistance with cremation arrangements.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Ogden City Cemetery.