Diane Elaine (Fosso) Garneau
October 18, 1948 - November 11, 2014
Carmel Valley
Diane left us on Tuesday afternoon in search of a better place, a place with happy children, crashing waves, and sandy beaches. With heart and soul the size of a school bus, and the love of almost every child in Carmel Valley, she won the battle against colon cancer 25 years ago then breast cancer 11 years ago. In January of this year liver cancer became the focus of her energy. With courage and determination, and a great team of doctors, she fought back for these last 10 months, only to ultimately succumb to this horrid disease.
Diane was preceded in death by her mother Elaine Fosso, and her brother Carl Fosso. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Pete Garneau, son Greg, son Brian and his amazing wife Pia, and the loves of her life, grandsons Jake and Jet. Additionally, her father Arthur and brother Bill of Palm Springs, and brothers Art and Chris of Arizona.
Diane's love for children led her to Tularcitos School in the mid-seventies, where she taught as an instructional aide for over 35 years. After school and during the summers she often tutored children at her home that needed extra instruction. She loved her job, adored the children, and would be there today but for misfortune. An outing with Diane was never without a chance encounter with a past student whose life was better because of her support and guidance. Each and every one of the hundreds upon hundreds of "her kids" gave to her as much as she gave to them. Her favorite moments were seeing the smiles and laughter on her students' faces, watching them grow, attending their graduations and weddings, and anticipating the following generation.
Away from school Diane loved the ocean, any sandy beach, angels, butterflies, lavender, rainbows, sea glass and anything purple. She would love to be remembered each time you see one of her favorite things.
Her family wishes to express their appreciation to the countless medical professionals who touched her life these past several years. Special recognition to local Doctors Cindy B. Lee and Roger Shiffman is in order, as well as Doctor George Poultsides at Stanford.
Please join her family for a memorial service that will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 at 2:30pm, at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula located at 4590 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel CA 93923. A celebration of her life will immediately follow in the adjoining hall. Food will be served, and bright attire will make Diane smile.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tularcitos Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization at 35 Ford Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924.
God found His teacher for His children on the other side
