Diane Lee Waldburger
April 5, 1950 - September 2, 2013
Diane Lee Waldburger was a strong, vibrant and unique woman who brought her spirit to every person and place with which she came into contact. It’s that special spirit that will live on in all our hearts. She showed that fighting spirit even in her final days as she fought a short, but valiant battle with bladder cancer.
Diane was born on April 5, 1950 to William and Doris Phelps Waldburger. She attended East High School and the University of Utah, where she received her Master’s degree in Education.
Diane had many passions. She loved photography, the Russian language and culture, reading, history, movies, charity work, and University of Utah athletics. Diane was also part of history. She chronicled the development of the artificial heart in the 1980’s through her photographs. Diane was also a cherished employee of ARUP Blood Services and the Marriott Library at the University of Utah.
She had a strong faith and was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of First United and also attended Christ United Methodist Church. While living in Dallas, TX, she attended Lover’s Lane UMC and sang in their renowned choir.
Diane loved her nieces and nephew, taking an active part and interest in their lives and celebrating their every accomplishment. She was their biggest fan.
Diane was preceded in death by her father and mother. She is survived by her sister, Karen of Salt Lake, brother Keith (Susan) of South Bend, IN, nieces, Adia and Elisabeth, and nephew, Matthew, as well as extended family spread across the country.
A memorial service will be held on September 21 at noon at First United Methodist Church on 200 East and 200 South in Salt Lake City. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:30am. A luncheon for the family and close friends will follow. Guests at the memorial service are asked to wear bright colors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s honor to KUER 90.1.
In Loving Memory
Dear Karen and Adia, My thoughts and sympathy are with you at this sad time. Diane was a remarkable and independent woman. She will always remain that way in my memories. Sherryl joins me in sending you our regards and best wishes to your family. Sincerely, Harvey Boyd
Harvey Boyd
Salt Lake City, Ut
To Diane's family, My condolences for your loss. I didn't know Diane well but she always smiled at me as we passed in the hall at work. And I did sit with her once at lunch and she was very kind and engaging. She will be missed here, at ARUP lab.
Tamara Kartz
Salt Lake City, UT
My condolences to the family and friends of Diane. She will be missed here at ARUP. She was such a nice and gentle lady, I loved her smile.
Jessica Mossman
Salt Lake City, Ut
Diane you will be missed here at ARUP very much. Your smile is all it took to make me happy about my day. I will miss seeing you around. Hope paradise is treating you as great as you are.
Melissa Sylvester
West Valley, ut
I worked around the cornder from Diane and saw her frequently. She always spoke to me in the elevator and had a smile and something interesting to say. Although I didn't have the chance to get to know her, I always felt happier after interacting with her. She was engaging and engaged and I will miss her tranquil and happy demeanor.
Valerie Parsons
Syracuse, Ut
We are sad to hear about the passing of Diane. We will miss her sweet spirit and smile in our office. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane's family. Sincerely, Dr. Keith N. Warr and Staff
Dr. Keith N. Warr and Staff
Salt Lake City, UT
To Diane's Family, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of such a great woman. I know that she will truly be missed. I personally had the privilege of seeing her at work and she was always a delight to see because of the smile on her face and her friendliness. My best goes out to you during this time, she is truly a woman who has impacted many people's lives, even with just her smile. Sincerely, Brittany
Brittany Tam
West Valley City, UT
Dear Keith and family, Our very best wishes and prayers to all of you. May the good Lord bless you with comfort and peace during this difficult tme. Jim Olson and Debbie Olson
Jim Olson
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Karen & Adia, I'm sorry for your sudden loss. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help on the legal end of things. Let's also hope her fighting spirit helps the Utes tonight! Scott
Scott Cottingham
Salt Lake City, UT
We are sorry to see in the paper the passing of Diane. We left our son Mark with your mother when our son Russell was born. I believe you and Diane babysat our sons when they were very young. We moved to Granger in 1970 and we did not attend First Methodist after that. Your family was helpful to us and I have fond memories of you and Diane. Colene
Bob and Colene Warren
West Valley City, Ut
Diane was such a gracious, kind and sunny soul. It was a pleasure to work with her- She will be greatly missed here at ARUP. My thoughts are with your entire family at this difficult time.
Meredith Ford
Salt Lake City, Ut
We just found out of Diane's passing, Christmas eve. My heartfelt condolences to Diane's family. I first met Diane in Seattle when we were volunteers for PLS (a localized branch of VISTA). We shared an apartment while we worked at Columbia School in Rainier Valley. Diane loved children and showed an abundance of compassion and understanding. Diane introduced me to her other family, the Jennings, who I still recall with great affection. Karen and Adia I share your sorrow. I remember Diane as having a happy outlook on life and being very close to her niece, Adia, and all the Jennings cousins. In the memorial I see Diane with my brother's children, Norman and Nina who now have spouses and children of their own and I am sure they have fond memories of Diane. Gosh, we were so young then about 40 years ago?
Edna F. Golla and Tony Chinn
Seattle, WA
Sorry I couldn't reach you I love you so much please accept my apologies
Ali Mohamed Ali Abou taleb
Cairo, Eg