Diana Irene Stolich

On Friday, March 26th, 2021, Diana Irene Stolich passed away at the age of 78 at home in Aptos, California with family, friends, and her cat "Lulu" by her side. The many people who surrounded her are a testament to the relationships Diana had lovingly built over the years. During these difficult times it was a silver lining to be able, with the support of her dear friends Deb and Laura, to pass away at her home. Many stories, memories, and smiles were formed and expressed during this time as the welcome mat was overwhelmed with visitors from near and far.

The care she received during her illness was unmatched. Her doctors and nurses showed true diligence and compassion, and the family is indebted to these special people who fought with her every step of the way. The staff at the Infusion Center were especially caring and she considered them friends.

Diana was born on January 26th, 1943, in Stockton, California to Jaynne and Art Bahrenfuss.

After finishing high school Diana moved to Santa Cruz and worked for the Sylvania Light Bulb Company. Her boss at Sylvania recognized Diana's skill set and recommended that she interview with United Airlines and she became a stewardess. The position title later changed to flight attendant, but Diana always referred to herself as first-class stewardess for over 40 years, only taking a small break to be President Nixon's personal stewardess during his campaign for President in 1968. Diana lived in Chicago, Milwaukee, Honolulu, San Francisco while working for United Airlines. She had many flying friends whose job she made easier with her quick smile, efficient manner, and according to her old roommate and friend, Alpha - some good-hearted mischievousness.

After a full career with United, Diana started volunteering with WomenCARE in her same meticulous fashion. She continued to make friends and bring smiles to people, whether she was giving rides to patients or working in the office. LaVerne and Diana developed a lasting bond that comforted Diana as she faced her own battles. While volunteering at WomenCare her husband David became sick and needed care, and she transitioned and became "The Database Queen" - which allowed Diana the flexibility to continue her volunteer work, while also taking care of David until he passed away.

Diana had a passion for travel, people, art, entertainment (ABBA!), fast cars, and sharing food and wine. During Diana's lifetime she had crisscrossed the world several times and had visited every continent on the globe. When she wasn't flying for work, Diana got with her dear friend Heidi to cook up travel adventures. Several family and friends were lucky enough to go with her as she traveled - which was always full of curiosity, fun, and wonderful food and beverage. Paris and Hong Kong were two of her favorite places to visit. One of her last trips was to The Arctic Region, where she travelled solo. She was elegant and worldly and her travels gave her wisdom about people that can only be learned from true engagement with others.

There were many that were touched by her grace and her friendships were varied and memorable. From "Wine Wednesdays" to family gatherings, she thrived on connecting with those she cared about. Her neighbors were very special to her - especially over this last year, when gathering in friend and neighbor Jane's driveway for a cocktail was always looked forward to. They looked out for and cared for each other.

Her love of puzzles and Mah Jong brought more people into her circle as her competitive side shined. A winning day at Mah Jong might not be enough money to buy her dinner, but it sure gave her a smile. If you saw her driving, you might also see that competitive spirit. She was a Porsche devotee and enjoyed honing her skill behind the wheel. One of the only people she would let drive her car was her friend Rob, as they enjoyed road trips together with Loretta. On Sundays, you could find her watching NASCAR, and a trip that was made to the Martinsville track to see them race live was a joy.

She led an active life, walking several miles every day. The fact that she could get some healthy exercise and have another opportunity to connect with her dear friend Loretta made it all the better. She was a talented knitter and needlepoint artist with a great eye for color and beauty. Her home was her sanctuary and was full of her creations and artifacts collected over a life well lived. She took pride in putting just the right touch on a space to make it warm, welcoming, and beautiful.

Diana was preceded in death by her husband David Stolich and is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John & Bonny Bunyan, nephews and nieces Jason & Addie Aguirre, Jodi & Brian Pallotta, Michael & Emmy Copriviza, Tom & LeAnn Copriviza as well as great nephews and nieces Anthony, Claire, Courtney, & John Copriviza, Kyle & Ryan Sarmento, Tasha Savedra, and Joshua Aguirre.

She was the fun aunt - introducing her nieces to dim sum, giving fashion tips to her nephews, and renting a beach house so all could come to play in the sand - all of which gave her joy to watch them grow in her love.

Diana did not want a funeral and would want you to think of her when you rev your engine and live your life to the fullest, when you see a plane in the sky, have a glass of wine, or share a laugh with those you love. Donations can be made in her honor to WomanCareSantaCruz.org.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 16, 2021