Diane Lee Thomas

Diane Bottini Thomas, 84, of Crockett, California, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025 while surrounded by family in the comfort of her home.

Diane was born to Lucy and Leo Bottini in Crockett, California on December 13, 1941, under blackout conditions at Richmond Hospital. After attending Carquinez Grammar School, she graduated from John Swett High School in 1959. Following high school, Diane did clerical work for several businesses. She began with Dr. Axelrode's dentistry practice in Pinole, where she was responsible for the composition of their newsletter. She then worked for the Contra Costa County Welfare Department, prior to accepting a role as a Court Clerk for Martinez Superior Court Judge, Samuel Hall. She also wrote a monthly news article for the Contra Costa Times, Titled, "Gleanings" that covered local history and events. In every role Diane held, she demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for hard work and a unique aptitude for writing. In 1984, she began her career with C&H Sugar in the warehouse and purchasing department. She was promoted to a Consumer Relations Administrator role, where she wrote under the pseudonym Jean Porter. Diane felt immense pride for her contributions to C&H and retired from there in 2000, after 16 years of dedicated service.

Diane married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Thomas on August 29, 1964 and they made Crockett their permanent home. In 1965, they welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Richard Thomas. Diane loved being a home maker, finding great joy in balancing the roles of mother and successful career woman. After retiring from C&H Sugar, Diane spent her free time volunteering for various organizations including the Women's Club of Crockett, the Italian Catholic Federation (ICF), the Crockett Museum, and St. Rose Catholic Church. In her time outside of volunteering, Diane had a rich social life, caring deeply for her friends, and she always enjoyed live performances, good food, and long talks with them. Above all, Diane found ultimate happiness in quality time spent with her devoted family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a strong, guiding presence to all of those fortunate enough to know her. Her family meant everything to her. She never missed a sporting event, show, graduation, or activity that her grandchildren were involved in and felt most content when her entire family gathered around her table for a big Italian holiday meal she prepared with love.

Diane is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Bill Thomas; their son, Rich Thomas and his wife Robyn; her brother Wayne Bottini and his wife Judy; her three grandchildren, Caylie, Madison, and Joseph; and her two small great-granddaughters Harper and Zoey. Many other loving relatives of the Thomas and Bottini families survive her.

A mass and memorial service will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church in Crockett, California at 10:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Crockett Community Foundation, PO Box, 155, Crockett, CA 94525.