On Saturday, January 5, 2013, Diana passed away after a brief and sudden illness. She was born in Culver City on July 8, 1945, and was a 36 year Ventura County resident.

Diana graduated from Inglewood High School and entered law school in 1984. She earned her Juris Doctorate and passed the State Bar on her first try in 1988. She began her law career as a Legal Assistant and Researcher and practiced law briefly, but her true love was teaching. She became a Law Professor teaching paralegal studies at Oxnard College and elsewhere, and had many students over the years that loved and admired her. Many stayed in contact and went to her for advice and guidance even after they began their own law careers.

Diana possessed both a sharp intelligence and a generous spirit which resulted in a life of helping others. She gave of herself without hesitation and immediately, whether to family, clients, students, friends, neighbors and strangers and could not turn away from those in need. Her absence will be sorely felt by all.

Diana married Gene "Buz" Needham on September 25, 1980. Buz preceded his wife in death in July 1999. Together they had seven children: Stephen (Ann) Hein, Jon Lise (Dan) Fasier, Mandy Needham, Gina Howard, Paul (Arlene) Needham and Steve (Shawn Firebaugh) Needham. Diana is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan Needham, Aaron Needham, Danny Hein, Meagan Hein, Caleb Howard, Daniel Rae, Dylan Rae, Lacey Chesser, Sam Chesser, Garet Needham and Evan Needham. Diana also leaves behind other loving family members: aunt and uncle, Robert and Joyce Gerlock; aunt and uncle, Raymond and Betty Gerlock; counsins, Lynn Hubbel, Julie Buchenau and Kevin Gerlock; current boyfriend, Jay Carson; and her friends she considered family, Nancy Johnson and Clem Watts.

A private family service was held on Friday, January 11, 2013. The family requests donations be made in Diana's name to your local ASPCA or The Cat's Cradle in Ventura.

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

Published by Ventura County Star from Jan. 13 to Jan. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Diana Needham

21 Entries

Michelle Jameson

February 5, 2013

My sister and I had the pleasure of being in Ms. Needham's last paralegal classes at Oxnard College. While the classes went late and everyone was tired, she kept our spirits high with her witty sense of humor and endless amount of legal knowledge. We greatly appreciate all she did for us and her memory will live on in the many students she helped throughout the years.

January 23, 2013

i meet diana in the early 90's she represented me in my federal hearing for my workers comp case she was an outstanding an amazing person not only did she win my case but she would not charge me for her work she said i had been through enough she had a heart of gold and a mind of steel i will miss her.blessings and prayers to her family goodbye my friend may you rest in peace

Katarine (Kitty) Bodnar-Plank

January 23, 2013

I meet Diana in our first year of law school. What a brilliant and insightful woman she was. Her dry wit,
her great compassion and kindness, will always be a part of the universe.
May you rest forever peaceful and joyous.

January 21, 2013

Evelyn Robinson

January 19, 2013

I knew Diana from elementary school and we maintained our friendship to her death. I will miss that gravelly voice on the phone and her dry wit! I watched Stephen when he was a baby and Diana and I lived together with her mom. So many years & so many memories. I loved her dearly! We were lucky to have had this veyr long friendship. I went to Pismo Beach with her a few years ago and we had a wild time frolicking in the waves. What lovely memories she leaves behind.

H. Flores

January 17, 2013

While we knew "Di" only for a short time, her friendship and wisdom she shared with us will last a lifetime.
As she often told me; "Double 1 is your Friend" I say "So are you Di"
Love and Respect,
The Flores Family

Edie Solano Wood

January 16, 2013

Blessings of peace to the Needham family.

Tom Crawford

January 16, 2013

I knew Diana from the Ventura Dart League. She always made me feel welcome and made me laugh and smile. She was a very kind woman. I was very sad to hear of her passing.
May she rest in peace!

Linda Christan

January 16, 2013

I am extremely sadden to read of the greatest teacher for legal assisting had past. My thoughts and prayers to all those close to her. She will be greatly missed not only by the students that were fortunate to have taken her classes, but all those that will never know how special she was. Bless you and rest in peace Diana Needham you'll always be remembered by the class of 2009.

Heather Replinger

January 16, 2013

A wonderful and caring teacher. Was very saddened to hear of her passing. My condolences. She will be missed.

Milan Sabata

January 15, 2013

RIP, Diana !

Howard Meyers

January 15, 2013

May the family of Diana be blessed for the wonderful woman that was in their lives. I only know her from the world of darts and she was a huge supporter of the sport and a great leader. May she rest in peace.

God Bless,
Howard Meyers and family

Diana with her favorite Pro Dartplayer Dennis Priestley

January 15, 2013

Diana was a great friend, and a passionate leader of the Ventura County Dart Association for the past 10 years. Gone too soon... RIP Lady Di

January 14, 2013

I am so saddened to hear about Mrs. Needham's passing. She was a great law instructor and I learned so much from her teaching. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Jennifer Z

January 14, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Ms.Needham. I was fortunate enough to be one of her last students at Oxnard. She was so passionate about the law and teaching. It was devastating enough when we learned she was not coming back full time to Oxnard but now she is really gone. What a loss to all.

Carmen Guerrero

January 14, 2013

To Diana's Family,
I knew Diana as a colleague and as her supervisor. Diana's commitment to the Legal Assisting/Paralegal Studies Program is without equal. She was generous with her time to ensure that a program that was run by adjunct faculty would be successful. I will miss your kind spirit, your dedication, and your commitment. Rest with the angels.
Carmen Guerrero, Dean
Career and Technical Education
Oxnard College

Eaken

January 13, 2013

I believe that we never lose the people we love, not even in death. They live forever in our hearts and memories and they are with us as a part of everything we do.
Diane touched our lives. She was a good friend and neighbor. We will always remember the good times we got to share with her and are grateful to have had them. May it bring you comfort knowing she will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy,
Peggy, Sharon, Jerry, & Andrew

Gloria Espinoza-Lopez

January 13, 2013

To Diana's Family
It brings so much sadness to my heart to hear of Diana's passing. As her colleague at Oxnard College I truly respected and admired her work ethic,professionalism and love for our students! I will truly miss her and will never forget her energetic personality and love for our Oxnard College students!
Rest in peace my Friend!
Gloria

Julie

January 13, 2013

I am so sad to hear about Ms. Needham passing she was one of my instructors at Oxnard College. What a neat one of a kind lady, we shared alot of laughs and talks about our polish heritage. You will be missed and by many. I send my prayers and condolences to your family.

Jon-Lise Frazier

January 13, 2013

Mandy and Nancy you did a wonderful job honoring our Lady Di. The way she loved Buzy and became a Mother to us is a rare gift and she will be missed immensely. Our solace lies in knowing she is somewhere out there with Dad, where we know he said to her "13 CATS?". Thanks Mandy for everything you have done. I love you bunches!!!!
Jon-Lise

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results