Diane J. McGee

Diane Jane Sanford McGee, of Simi Valley, California, peacefully joined her beloved husband, John, in Heaven on December 19, 2025.

Diane was born on January 16, 1940, to Howard and Jane Sanford. She grew up on the island in Lake Orion, Michigan, where her life was forever changed by a blind date arranged by her best friend-and future sister-in-law-Vera Crawford, along with John's brother, Gerry McGee. That blind date led to a lifelong love, and Diane and John were married on November 28, 1959, in Rochester, Michigan.

Together, Diane and John built a life centered on family, service, and community. They raised three daughters-Lisa, Jodi, and Lori-who were the pride and joy of Diane's life. The McGees were very active members of the Lake Orion Jaycees, always giving their time and energy to causes that strengthened their community.

In 1975, the family moved to Gaylord, Michigan, where Diane worked at Gaylord Middle School. In 1980, they made their home in Southern California, where Diane found her true calling. She devoted her career to helping children discover the magic of reading and a love for history. She served as the librarian at Meadow Oaks School in Calabasas and later became the founder of the Pinecrest School Library in Moorpark.

Even after retiring from her dream job, Diane never stopped sharing her love of books. She delighted in being a guest reader at schools and spent countless hours reading to residents at the Ivy Assisted Living Apartments, believing deeply in the power of stories to connect people of all ages.

Diane is survived by her three daughters and their families, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life. She is also survived by her two sisters, Linda and Donna.

Diane was especially proud of the way she and John raised their daughters, instilling in them a strong sense of compassion and community service. In her honor, each daughter has chosen a charity that reflects Diane's generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charities selected by her daughters, honoring Diane's lifelong dedication to education, service, and helping others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations in Diane's name:

Readysetride.org

PO BOX 1113

Plainfield IL 60544

FIN 36 4414446

Westside German Shepard Rescue of LA

Donate on the website

Sheprescue.org

Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates

Wildhorseadvocates.org

Or PNWHA

PO Box 2843

Gardnerville, NV 89410

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director