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Elizabeth Diffie Obituary
Elizabeth McDowell Diffie July 25, 1957 - July 20, 2023
Elizabeth (Libby) McDowell Diffie passed peacefully at her home in Vienna, Virginia on July 20, after a nearly six-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Libby was born into a Navy family in Pensacola, Florida, and lived on both US coasts during her father's service career. She was a proud graduate of Fairfax High School (1975), Fairfax, Virginia; and George Mason University (1979). Libby married into and built another Navy family, living mainly in the mid-Atlantic, and with tours in Belgium and France. She was a dedicated teacher and a ferocious advocate of the liberating power of quality education for all children. She taught for many years at Churchill Road Elementary in McLean - mainly first and second grades - and she influenced the lives of thousands in the McLean community. Her passion was nurturing children, teaching them to read and think and be kind, and engaging their parents in their reading and learning journeys. Libby was pre-deceased by her father, Captain Curtis G. McDowell, US Navy, and her son, Corporal Samuel Bush Diffie, US Marine Corps. She is survived by her husband, Craig; her son Douglas (Molly, Whitney Elizabeth, Jack McDowell); her mother, Anna Bush McDowell; her sister, Debbie McDowell Trusevich; and her brother, Curtis G. McDowell. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 30, at the McLean Baptist Church in McLean, Virginia. Libby will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery with her father and son on a date in 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Diffie
Martha Blue
September 28, 2023
I can´t imagine any teacher who had greater impact on more students. Libby has been a blessing in ours lives well beyond teaching - a friend, an advocate, a cheerleader, and a source of unending love and support. We miss her so much.
Ran Tao & Peng Gu
September 25, 2023
Libby was a remarkable person. She was a courageous fighter, a passionate educator, and a kind friend. We still fondly recall our first chat with her and Craig when we moved here. We loved watching her change the wreath on her door with the seasons, hearing delightful stories about her grandbabies, and exchanging our cultures and gardening tips. We will always cherish the inspiring conversations with her about family, life, society and beyond. She was always cheerful and open-minded, overflowing with love and care, which was a true inspiration. She will be missed dearly, and she will forever remain in our hearts and memories as our dearest neighbor and friend. Our deepest condolences to Craig and the Diffie family.
-Ran & Peng
Michaela Wheat Turner
August 23, 2023
A true blessing and gift to this world. My mentor and sweet friend. With a heart bigger than anyone I have ever met. She embodied everything it meant to be a teacher with heart. I will continue to think of her every day as I teach my kindergarteners. Her remarkable memory and love will live on forever through all of the lives she impacted
Steve & Van
August 9, 2023
Libby was one of the first to welcome us to the neighborhood when we moved in 5 yrs ago. We´ll recall fondly the last conversation we had with her when we were outside with our toddler and she drove by in her car and chatted with us about her grandkids. We´ll miss seeing her around the neighborhood during her walks and the engaging conversations. Sending our deepest condolences to Craig and the family.
Karen Knight
August 6, 2023
Libby was my sister-in-law at one time many years ago. We became friends quickly and remained so even after I was no longer a part of the family. We did Christmas cards and wrote notes. There was even a Christmas gift or two. Although she and her family were overseas in Europe, and we rarely spoke, there was a connection between us. I thought she was a lovely lady in everything she did. I was so happy I was able to see her at her father-in-laws´ funeral. I knew she was fighting cancer, and it felt good to be able to give her a hug and talk with her as it was the last time I would see her.
Rest in love and peace Libby.
Joseph Stanik
August 6, 2023
Dear Craig and Douglas:
Julie, Michael, William, and I are very sorry to learn of your great loss. Libby and all the Diffies were wonderful neighbors. God bless and comfort you.
Joe
Jerry and Nina McIntyre
August 4, 2023
Craig,
We just learned the heartbreaking news today of Libby´s death. We send you our heartfelt condolences and pray that you have peace and comfort. Love, Jerry and Nina
Darlene M. McCall
July 31, 2023
To my wonderful niece, Libby. She fought her battle well while doing what she loved best, her teaching. May her memory live on in all those she touched during her career as a teacher and her loving family.
Faris Farwell
July 31, 2023
Craig & Family; our deepest condolences.. what a wonderful life she had.. please take solace in knowing that. Judi & Faris Farwell
John "JJ" Spegele
July 31, 2023
Craig:
Donna and I extend our condolences to you and your family.
John "JJ" Spegele
USNA 78/9th Company
Wayne Leong
July 31, 2023
Craig, so saddened for your and your family's heartbreaking loss. What an impactful and courageous life she led, and huge legacy she left behind. She will be remembered fondly and with gratitude by thousands. May you and your family always have loving memories of her to keep her alive in your hearts and bring you comfort.
Reydel "Sonny" Santos
July 31, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and everyone who was touched by Elizabeth´s life!
Words provide little comfort during such a time as this when the void in our hearts is so deep. Only time will heal the sense of loss. May memories of Elizabeth´s life inspire all who knew her and were touched in some way
Lee Yarberry
July 30, 2023
Craig, we share your heartbreak at Libby's passing. Our hearts and prayers reach out to you and the family during this time of loss.
Glen Woods
July 30, 2023
Craig, so very sorry to hear about Libby's passing. I pray God's Spirit gives you comfort during these difficult times.
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