Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Diana Poyer Obituary
June 24, 1952 - September 26, 2025
Diana L. Poyer (nee Batsford), 73, of Warrensburg and former resident of Tompkins County, passed away in a car accident in Washington County.
Diana was a passionate advocate for early childhood and special needs education, having spent many years working at the Racker Center and Tompkins County Headstart. Her commitment to seeing all children thrive regardless of their circumstances was an inspiration to those who knew her.
Following her career in education, she started a second career in the Finger Lakes wine industry, and became a vocal evangelist for local wines.
Diana was known for her spirituality, generosity, kindness, and her love of music, Irish culture and small dogs. She was a friend to the downtrodden and dispossessed, whom she treated with grace and dignity.
Although she struggled with profound grief and mental illness following untimely deaths in her life-first of her beloved husband of 35 years in 2006 and then of her longtime companion in 2024–she had recently turned a corner. Her unexpected death is a significant loss for those who loved and cared for her.
Diana is predeceased by her mother and father, Myrtle and Robert Batsford; husband, Dana; and her companion Ray "Lew" Banzhof.
She is survived by brother, James (Maribeth) Batsford; sister, Barbara (Lee) Griffin; children, Philip Poyer, Robert (Meghan) Poyer, and Jennie (Joseph) Pharoah; five grandchildren and step grandchild; and numerous extended relations.
The family will be present to receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation may be made in her name to the church where she had found hope and community, St. Cecelia's Church, 3802 Main St. Warrensburg, NY 12885.
Ness-Sibley Funeral Home
23 South Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886
607-387-8151
Memorial Events
for Diana Poyer
Memories and Condolences
for Diana Poyer
Sponsored by Ness-Sibley Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Jim Cypher
October 13, 2025
I wish I'd had more time to chat with you. Thanks for the phone call in June and comparing notes on life and the Ithaca NY area, you're right, it is "gorges".
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Diana Poyer's name
How to support Diana's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Diana Poyer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
