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Diane Valantine Obituary
Diane Valantine went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, July 13, 2010. She fought a courageous four-year battle with breast cancer, never complaining, but always seeking to serve and love others.
Diane grew up in Granada Hills with her parents, Lyle and Floye Custer, and her brother, Dana. She met her husband, David Arthur Valantine at the age of 16 while volunteering with L.A.P.D. Explorer Scouts. Diane and Dave were married on August 9, 1975 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Chatsworth, California. Together, Diane and Dave have two sons, Andrew David and Joshua Aaron. In 2007, Diane was blessed to see her son Joshua marry Leslie Louise Gentry, whom she loved so much.
Diane and Dave volunteered together in Animal-Assisted Therapy and Animal-Assisted Crisis Response with their beloved Labrador Retriever's, Bonnie and Bailey. She loved to share their dogs with others, providing comfort and encouragement to so many people. Diane worked at La Mesa Jr. High school as an assistant librarian, and was greatly loved there.
Diane is survived by her husband, David; her sons, Andrew and Joshua (Leslie); her parents, Lyle and Floye; her brother, Dana (Jacqueline); her nephew, Brian (JoAnne) and her grand niece, Madelynn.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Diane's home going on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be held at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. Diane can be remembered by making donations for breast cancer research and prevention.
Diane's family wrote, "Diane's life can be summed up this way: She loved Jesus with all her heart. She loved her family beyond measure. And, she loved others more than herself. She is missed so much by her family and all those that knew her."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diane Valantine
Sponsored by David Valantine, loving husband of Diane.
Keith and Claudette Adkins
December 6, 2011
Diane, you, DAVID, AND all of the family are still in our thoughts, memory, hearts and prayers. I tried to write something a year or so ago, but part of a poem as such was copyrighted, and I guess and it all didn't make it to enter the guess book, because of that. We remember many good times together with Paws4Healing, Delta Society Pet Partners Therapy Animals. Claudette (Candy) and I had very gentle docile companion rabbits that we shared as volunteers and the ones that Diane and Dave knew have also since passed on to rainbow bridge. I hope that they (Wimpy and Junior) comfort Diane over rainbow bridge with many other pets there too. We still do have a french lop rabbit and dog that we share. Life is truly a gift, and what we do between being the numbers of years given as birth in life is that small dash before that date of death can be and is so very much! Thank you for truly being you and letting us share our times together with interest we love as teams in giving. That is something what Jesus teaches, and also you. The Spirit of Love,
August 5, 2010
Diane was a truly remarkable person - very gracious and always with a smile. I am truly glad I was given the opportunity to get to know her. She will be deeply misssed at La Mesa. Susan Negri
John Candelaria
August 4, 2010
I am so glad that I was able to know Diane. She always cared about the things in my life even more than her own. Diane is truly a remarkable, sweet loving person and I will miss her smile and kind words. Thanks again for making me smile every time I did see you. You always made me feel good. God bless you and your family.
Kathy Gorlick
July 25, 2010
There is not much more to say about my dear friend Diane that has not already been said! She had a bright smile and a warm heart that she took with her everywhere she went. She cared deeply for her family and friends. I feel fortunate that I saw her just over two weeks ago and she was at peace with the decisions she had made. She had such strength and courage. My sincerest condolences to Dave, her two sons, and all of her family. Her memory will linger...
Marcy Morrison
July 23, 2010
Diane will be more than missed. She was the epitome of kindness, caring and truly a gentle soul. It was always about the "other" person with Diane, never about her. I know that she walks with God and he welcomed her into his kingdom with open arms.
May you find peace in the memories she left for you.
Sue Stewart
July 23, 2010
Diane was a very special lady... She was a joy to be around and I am blessed to have been a friend of hers. She will certainly be missed by all who ever had the opportunity to know her.
Diane was a genuinely sweet person. She loved the Lord and that was truly reflected in her life. I was blessed to have worked with Diane at Valencia High School. She trained me. When I arrived, she greeted me with a warm and loving smile and welcomed me. We shared lunch together on many occasions as well as our personal prayer requests. She loved the Lord and that was obvious to everyone!
Diane also loved her work with the Therapy Dogs. I had the opportunity to witness first hand the joy that Diane and her dogs brought to many special needs children and young adults.
Diane will be missed, but I know that she is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus at a life well lived...
To Dave and the boys I send my condolences because I know that you are deeply saddened at this time, but you know the truth and promise of God that someday you will be reunited once again in heaven.
Living in the Son,
Sue Stewart
July 23, 2010
Diane, I feel so privileged to have met a wonderful and courageous friend. I will always remember you with a beautiful smile that would brighten my day. I will cherish our chats about my nephew and I thank you for your positive words of encouragement.....you are such an inspiration. May you rest in peace sweet Diane. Love ya, Ana Valverde
John Settimo
July 23, 2010
"Diane it was a pleasure getting to know you, you were such a sweet human being I will miss you but we will see eachother again. God Bless. You will never be forgotten.
Janie Serrano
July 23, 2010
"Diane, I will forever be greatful to you for your sweet and kind words of encouragement as my sister fought her battle with cancer. You always had a smile on your face that would brighten up my day. You were such a sweet and loving person always there to listen and encourage you will be greatly missed but never forgotten, you touched so many people me being one of them. You were such a beautiful woman never losing faith in god. May you rest in peace my friend Diane"
Sissi Calabrano
July 22, 2010
"Diane, I will forever remember you're bright and beautiful smile and how you would pop in on any given day just to say hi . You were such an amazing and courageous woman. I will never forget you. You will be missed beyond words. May the Lord bless your family. I can still see you smiling up in heaven... may you rest in eternal peace my sweet Diane"
sima bernstein
July 22, 2010
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Diane was like a ray of sunshine. She will be missed. Sima Bernstein
Krissy Ball
July 22, 2010
Mrs. Valantine was such a sweet gal. I got to know her at La Mesa when I helped at registration, and then when we moved across the street from her and her husband a couple of years ago, right below La Mesa. She always had a smile on her face. Even when she was in the thick of what appeared to be treatments for her cancer, her smile would brighten up the cul-de-sac. What a beautiful woman. She will be missed...
Juanita Rojas
July 22, 2010
When I began teaching at La Mesa Jr., Diane was one of the first to make me feel so welcomed, and I truly appreciate that. Whenever I visited the library, she was always eager to help with whatever I needed and more. My students always talked about the "nice lady in the library" and I knew of and observed how she was so helpful and kind to them. Her kind spirit will always be impressed in my memories and I am sure with others. I once read in book of grieving - a quote that defines Diane Valentine: "To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die."
Jennifer Ryan
July 22, 2010
I enjoyed working with Diane at the La Mesa Library. She is someone who radiated goodness and kindness, and I loved to see her face light up when Dave would walk in with Bonnie and Bailey. Dave, she was a representative of the love your family personifies, and my heart is breaking for your loss. I know I will always remember her selfless heart. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for you and your family.
Guillermo Galarza
July 22, 2010
To a great friend. You are missed dearly. Thank you for all of your help and support. Your smile, kindness and love for life touched me spiritually.
July 21, 2010
Thinking of your family.She always made Andy and Spencer feel so special at school.We will miss Diane's warm smile and friendly wave.love,The Benedetti's
Paula Pena
July 21, 2010
Diane, it was so great to see your smile when we would come into the library with our severely handicapped students. You will be greatly missed. May the Lord give me your strength one day. I know you are with Him.
I.H.N. with love.
Eileen Volpe
July 21, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Geoffrey Aronsky
July 21, 2010
It was a joy to work with Daine and Dave at La Mesa. My nickname for Diane was always "Smiles!" Everyday at work her gleaming smile would shine throughout the library and my classroom. Dave would always come in with the dogs to visit and I knew that my day was always complete with sunshine they both brought!
You had a long courageous battle but I know in my heart that you are at peace! I will miss you!!! Your loss will be great!!
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