Diane W. Bryant

Diane Weaver Bryant, of Hardy, Virginia, passed on Sunday, April 22, at age 75 after a valiant 15-year battle with cancer. She was born June 30, 1942, to Myron and Norma Weaver of Niagara Falls, New York. Some of her most treasured childhood memories included family vacations at 30 Island Lake in Ontario, and riding roller coasters at the Crystal Beach amusement park in Ontario. One of her aunt’s Airedale terriers saved her from drowning in a pond at age 4, sparking a lifelong love of those dogs. As an adult, she was never without one or two Airedales in her home – along with one or two kitties, of course. She graduated Niagara Falls High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Buffalo State Teachers College (now part of State University of New York). But her first love and top priority was always her family. She married her childhood sweetheart, Leonard “Sandy” Bryant, on Aug. 17, 1963. And when their first child was born two years later, she left the teaching profession and became a full-time mom. Still, she never truly stopped being a teacher. She taught both of her children how to read and write years before they entered kindergarten, and to enjoy books forever after. She raised them with a strong moral compass and a wicked sense of humor. And she taught them by example to be kind and loving to all living creatures – with the possible exception of snakes and large spiders that had the audacity to enter her home. And there were many homes over the years. Between 1963 and 2000, she and her family lived in 13 houses in six states, one U.S. territory and one Canadian province. Finally, when Len retired from his career with PPG Industries, Diane put her foot down: NO MORE. And so they settled permanently in a house on the lake in Hardy, where he could fish and she could swim to their hearts’ content. Through the years, Diane and Len traveled to (or at least through) all 50 U.S. states, enjoying the magnificent beauty of our country. They also visited Australia, where she gleefully hugged a koala; to Europe, where she brightened up Rome’s Palatine Hill (pictured); to Nova Scotia, where she enjoyed moose pie; and to Scandinavia, where they boarded the “Little Red Ship” Explorer for one of its final voyages. Being around children always brightened her day. She also loved reading, crocheting, playing bridge and boating. Being outdoors, marveling at nature, was pure bliss for her. A particularly beautiful sunset always elicited the comment: “Go, God!” She will be forever remembered for her sense of humor. No matter where she was or what the situation might be, even at her lowest points, Diane was the one making everyone around her smile. Diane is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Len; her son, Jeffrey, and his husband, Roel; her daughter, Katherine; her grandson, Garrett; her sister, Linda Wynes, and her husband, Jack; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Norma Weaver. Her family is immensely grateful to the dear friends who have helped them through this difficult time. We love them dearly. In addition, we are grateful to the wonderful caregivers from Carilion Hospice, who went above and beyond to help make Diane’s final days more comfortable in her own home, surrounded by her loved ones. Arrangements are being handled by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory in Rocky Mount, Virginia. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial services. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Diane’s name to the Nature Conservancy or the Susan G. Komen nonprofit organization.