Dianna Erickson Gavlak

Dianna Erickson Gavlak obituary, Westminster, MD

Dianna Erickson Gavlak

Dianna Gavlak Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel P.A. - Westminster on Apr. 5, 2025.

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Dianna Erickson Gavlak, 81, of Carroll Vista Community- Taneytown, passed away on April 2, 2025.
Born on November 20, 1943 in Portage, Pennsylvania, Dianna moved to the DC metropolitan. area along with her friends and her future husband, John Gavlak. Dianna was the daughter of the late Charles and Mabel (Campagne) Erickson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Gavlak; and sisters, Brenda Erickson and Candance Gearty.
Dianna worked for NSA in Fort Meade, MD. She was instrumental in running the detachment office and shepherding the analytic studies thru the army intelligence production process. She was a warrior in the "shadows". We are proud of her. She retired from the government in 2002.
Dianna was a member of Carroll Vista in Taneytown, MD, where she made many friends throughout the years. She loved her community and would frequently get together with her group of friends to go out to eat or dance. Dianna loved to decorate and shop. She had an eye for fashion. She loved to entertain and had a 'gift for gab'. She was incredibly supportive and a kind person to have in your circle. Dianna will be dearly missed by those who knew her.
Dianna is survived by her loving daughters, Cindy Wasilewski and Jack and Kristine Amendola and husband, Christian; grandchildren, John Derik Wasilewski, Kyle Thomas Wasilewski, Cecilia Rose Amendola, Zachary John Amendola and Noah Valentino Amendola; great-grandson, Arlo John Wasilewski; siblings, Judy Layo, Jon Erickson, and Melissa Snyder; and her loving partner, John Purnell.
The family will welcome friends on April 13, 2025 from 10am to 12pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster, MD, for visitation and with memorial services starting at noon.
Memorial contributions can be made to either Glioblastoma Foundation (https://glioblastomafoundation.org/) or For Pete's Sake- Woodloch (https://give.takeabreakfromcancer.org/campaign/662052/donate), an organization near to her heart.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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April 15, 2025

Christine Leavitt Orkins posted to the memorial.

April 8, 2025

Kirk Campbell posted to the memorial.

April 8, 2025

The Perkins' Family sent flowers.

5 Entries

Christine Leavitt Orkins

April 15, 2025

Dear Kristine, I wanted to write to you to offer my deepest condolences for the passing of your Mom. I was so sad to hear that she had passed away. I found out just today from Deanna. We arrived at Deanna's house in Pa. from Florida for a visit.

I really enjoyed your Mom's friendship when I lived in Maryland. She made me laugh many a time, and we shared some fun lunch dates over the years.

I pray that you will be comforted by all the memories you have of her as a mother, grandmother and a great grandmother. God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Christine Leavitt Orkins

Kirk Campbell

April 8, 2025

My deepest condolences to Dianna´s family and her many friends. Dianna was central to our team at the Army´s SRD at Ft Meade, key to the professional esprit we shared and good friendships that were part of that organization and that era. Her memory is a blessing because I can only think of her with fondness and of those days with happiness. Her passing is a blow.
With much love to the friends and colleagues of those good old days.
Kirk Campbell

Thoughtful Prayers Standing Spray

The Perkins' Family

Sent Flowers

Ray Perkins

April 8, 2025

With deepest sympathy we mourn the loss of our friend - Dianna. We hold truly fond memories of our life connections and service within the Army Special Research Detachment. Bon Voyage until we meet again- and Peace to her family and friends.

Dave Dietrich

April 7, 2025

God bless Dianna's family for their loss. She was a wonderful person, friend, and colleague. Always friendly and helpful, Dianna was excellent in helping to run the organization, and particularly in keeping the professional communications flow operating at peak efficiency.

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Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel P.A. - Westminster

412 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157

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Sign Dianna Gavlak's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 15, 2025

Christine Leavitt Orkins posted to the memorial.

April 8, 2025

Kirk Campbell posted to the memorial.

April 8, 2025

The Perkins' Family sent flowers.