Diane Cornforth Obituary
Diane Alice Cornforth passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born in Tacoma, Washington to Oscar and Mildred Jensen on April 17, 1929.
Diane grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Lincoln High School. She graduated from the College of Puget Sound (now University) in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a member of Delta Alpha Gamma sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota, President of Otlah Scholastic Honorary, and was the female lead in the spring play, "Lost Horizon." She was instrumental in starting the college chapter of Mortar Board and became the first president. She greatly valued education.
In the summer following her high school graduation, Diane met Evan Cornforth, the love of her life. They married after her graduation from college and enjoyed a happy life together for 64 years. During the early years, Evan entered the automobile business, eventually owning Cornforth-Campbell Motors in Puyallup. Diane taught first and second grade until they were expecting their second child. They moved to Puyallup, and she stayed home to raise her family.
Diane and Evan had two children, Barbara and David. Their family later grew to include two granddaughters and two great grandchildren. Diane was deeply devoted to her family and made them her top priority. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Active in several organizations, Diane especially enjoyed her membership in Chapter CX of PEO and the many good friends she made there. She and Evan attended a local church and belonged to dance, golf, and bridge clubs for many years. Diane was a wonderful cook and hostess. She loved to entertain family and friends at home and at their beach cabin. She was an avid reader and an exceptionally talented seamstress. She excelled at needlepoint, knitting and stained glass work.
Upon retirement, Diane and Evan became "snowbirds." They purchased a retirement home in Tucson and later in Surprise, Arizona. Summers were spent in Washington. They traveled much of the world and enjoyed many cruises and USA adventures with family and friends.
Diane was a loving and devoted, wife, mother, and friend. She was much loved and will be greatly missed. She was a believer in Christ, so we know she is rejoicing in heaven, and that we will see her again.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Evan and is survived by her daughter, Barbara Requa (Dave), son David, granddaughters Kylene LaBissoniere (Alan), and Danae Short (Anthoney), and great grandchildren, Laila Requa and Evan Requa.
A celebration of life will be held in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Lakewood on Saturday, September 20. Viewing will be at 12:00 and the service will be at 1:00, followed by a dessert reception.
Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Aug. 29 to Sep. 14, 2025.