Diana Lynn Dickson (nee Norris) died August 19, at home attended by her daughter and sister. She had been in hospice for a few months prior to her death and was so appreciative of the care she received from her children.

Diana grew up in Fort Wayne, IN, attending North Side High School. She attended Indiana University, Bloomington where she received her BA. She briefly worked for the Allen County Juvenile Division as a probation officer. After marrying in 1973, she returned to Bloomington where she earned an MBA from I.U. After briefly living in Indianapolis, her family moved to St. Petersburg, FL, in 1980 where she raised her children. She returned to Indianapolis in 2012, where she had lived for the past 14 years. She served as treasurer of the condominium association for 18 months.

In Florida, Diana was active in Junior League and worked with The Coordinated Child Care of Pinelleas, Inc. (which later merged with R’Club Child Care Inc.), serving as president during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In that role she lobbied state and federal legislators with regard to the importance of high quality child care and early childhood education, a subject she strongly believed in. She often entertained her husband’s legal clients and the children’s friends in her home. The house was in a historical district of St. Petersburg. Over the years, she negotiated construction contracts and became expert in renovating the 1920’s house. Some of her favorite stories came from those renovations, including her younger son and their dog digging holes and getting stuck in the excavation area of the pool. And, she loved the porch cats!

Diana was an incredible and devoted mother, making sure her children attended the schools that best addressed their unique personalities and abilities. She encouraged their studies and their interests. She loved celebrating their marriages and the births of their children. Diana took her role as Grandma very seriously and spent quality time with them. She traveled regularly to visit each of her children and their families. She was always available to assist when needed. They were her pride and joy. All one had to do was ask!

She is survived by her three children, Catherine (Katie) Gardner (Brian) of New Jersey, Patrick (Samantha) of Illinois, and James (Maria) of Texas. She left behind five grandchildren, Richard, Laurana, Emma, Quinn, and Patrick Antonio. She is also survived by her mother, Marguerite Norris of Texas; brother, David Norris (Beverly) of Texas; sisters, Wanda Pitzele (Perry) of Ohio, and Kathy Norris of Indianapolis. She also leaves behind nieces, nephew, and great nieces. Her father, Jesse Yale Norris predeceased her.

A memorial will be held at her condominium building at Newport Bay on Saturday, September 19 at 4 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to R’Club Child Care Inc., Early Learning Indiana or to the charity of one’s choice.