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Diane Saady Obituary
She attended J.R. Tucker High School and later married the love of her life, Joseph Saady. Diane was a prolific artist and a lifelong learner. She developed black and white film in her home dark room and took pictures at the weddings of family and friends. She practiced as an optician for many years and took delight in both explaining the physics of vision and matching the perfect glasses to a patient. In later years, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Diane was a licensed clinical social worker for 30 years and touched the lives of many during their times of need. She was dedicated to her clients, and provided warm, caring, and honest support.
Diane is survived by her husband of 55 years, Joseph Saady; children Matthew Saady (Kat), Dawn Saady (Greg), and Kimberly Hewavita (Indi); grandchildren, Joshua, Nicholas, Neela, Zhara, Rohan, and Cedar; and many cherished friends, family and colleagues.
The Saady family has established a scholarship to honor Diane's life and career. The Diane F. Saady Memorial Scholarship Fund at the VCU School of Social Work supports students pursuing a Masters in Social Work. Gifts can be made online at https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/fund?fund=381512 or by mail to Gifts and Records Management, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23286-0441. Please include the Diane F. Saady Memorial Scholarship in the check's memo line.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diane Saady
Connie McDonald
July 27, 2024
I am so saddened to just hear about Diane's passing. She was a gifted therapist with such warmth, compassion, and sense of humor, and a beautiful smile. My times spent with her and her sound advice were so comforting. I will miss her. She left her mark in my heart and many who knew her. Showering her family and friends with much love and comfort.
Nicholas Canderelli
June 20, 2024
My prayers are filled with deepest sympathies for your loss. Diane Saady was a long time friend, ally, and collaborator - 17 year relationship. Diane was a person of light in this at times very dark world. She will be missed greatly, as she was someone very special. I am happy to have known her and may she rest in God´s heavenly embrace.
Sandy Spicer-Glave
May 29, 2024
I have been Diane´s patient for 20 years and just found out about her passing. My heart breaks for Joe and the children. She was such a special woman and I am in total shock. She was always there for me and has helped me with so many issues that helped me with this life. I used to joke with her that she could never retire; but to loose her completely is so painful. I loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed.
Heather
May 22, 2024
Diane came into my life several years ago as my mental health provider. Recently I have been dealing with grief and due to having such a good working relationship with Diane previously I thought I'd try to reconnect with her. Sadly, I am seeing this, and my heart is broken. My condolences to the family of Diane, first and foremost, but also to everyone else who was touched by the life of Diane. She was an amazing woman, and you could tell she had a passion for helping others! She was so caring and genuine and will truly be missed.
Marquitta Quivers
May 6, 2024
My condolences to the family. She was my counselor for some years and she became a deep confident. She helped me through some difficult times, and that smile made me feel better in my times of grief & despair She will be deeply missed.
Casie ONeil
April 24, 2024
I met Mrs. Saady a few years ago and she helped me in so many ways. Her wisdom and support give me comfort in those hard days.
Bless the family and know that this lady help so many.
Ms. ONeil
Sandy Bravo
April 21, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michelle
April 19, 2024
Diane Saady was a wonderful counselor to me and lead me into a life of direction in my healing...May peace be with her family and friends
J. Robert Zettl
April 17, 2024
I always loved speaking with Diane at multiple meeting over the years. She will truly be missed.
Bob Zettl
Brenda Allen
April 15, 2024
I´m so sorry for your loss. The Saady family lived in our neighborhood and my children went to school with Matthew and Dawn. Diane was kind, friendly and always happy. I´m so sad to hear of her passing. The world has lost a wonderful woman.
Beth Clifton
April 14, 2024
What wonderful memories I just experienced reading Diane´s obituary. We, the Clifton family, were "back door neighbors to the Saady family. I remember one weekend night Joe and Diane being over to our house for dinner and drinks. I was mainly spending the evening in my bedroom as the 4 adults were in our family room enjoying a cocktail or two and then hearing much excitement and laughter....only to discover that Joe had looked upon the mantle with the several candles burning in carved wooden candlesticks and stated- I´m not sure, but I think those candles have burned down and are now burning the candle stick, maybe, is that what´s happening up there...? AND it was what was happening! Crisis averted! Thank you Joe! A funny story for years (I think my parents were older bad influences on the Saadys...LOL).
I remember the film developing and thinking the dark room was SO cool! I remembered taking some cute pictures in the backyard of Matt and Dawn (and even babysitting them a time or two pre-Kimberly). I remember the school bus parked on the street. And then as an adult, having a very brief crossover period with Diane when working at Family and Children's Service....and having subsequent conversations in my parent´s gazebo about the then-crazy-new-CEO.
Diane- an amazing woman! So kind and compassionate and funny. She was always supportive of me, as I´m sure she was with everyone with whom she came in contact.
My heart goes out to the grandchildren, Matt, Dawn, Kimberly, and especially to you Joe. Much Clifton love to the Saady family
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