Cecilia Diane Woodford
August 5, 1943 – February 9, 2024
VISITATION: Friday, February 16th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, February 17th at 10:30am in the Chapel at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific St. Committal Service and Entombment: Saturday, Feb. 17th at 1:30pm, Resurrection Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Siena/Francis House.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
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Diane (O’Connor) Woodford, affectionately known as “Nana,” passed away in Omaha on February 9, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 5, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the late Bernard “Bud” and Annabelle (Walker) O’Connor.
Diane is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Don Woodford; her caring siblings, Larry O’Connor (Leslie) and Linda Christensen Kearns; her devoted children: Mike (Lisa), Scott, Marc (Michelle), and Chris (Ann). She was also a cherished grandmother to: Connor, Lauren, Nolan, Marie, Katie, and Max.
As a young girl, Diane attended St. John Catholic Grade School in Des Moines, and Rapid City High School in Rapid City, South Dakota (Class of 1961). It was at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln that she met Don at a DTD fraternity mixer. They were married on August 20, 1965. Also in 1965, she earned her wings as a Pan American Airline stewardess.
Diane dedicated her life to serving God, caring for her family and beloved dogs, and making friends everywhere she went. She was an avid reader and an accomplished artist in charcoal and watercolor. We all appreciated her talent in baking crinkle and chocolate chip cookies, and on special occasions we were blessed with her famous chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
Dinae enjoyed yearly trips to Vail, Colorado, to visit her family or an occasional trip to La Jolla, California, to soak up the soothing ocean sounds she loved so much. She also relished any chance to gather as a family. She always hosted Christmas Day festivities that included family favorite dishes (shrimp dip, roast or turkey, and cranberry salad), thoughtful gifts, and lots of laughter and love.
She is fondly remembered for her talent of finding the perfect Hallmark card for every occasion, adding her own heartfelt handwritten message for each family member. Her genuine words and sentiments will be forever treasured.
No matter the occasion, each gathering would end with a “Woodford Goodbye,” a series of hugs, numerous “I love you’s,” and a reminder to “be careful, Honey,” as she waved in the doorway until were well out of sight.
Her kindness, generosity, and abounding love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Diane’s memory will live on in the hearts of those blessed to know her in this life. We are thankful she is finally able to rest in peace in God’s loving arms.
5 Comments
A sweet cousin who always look out for me like a big sister even though she was only a few months older
Scott and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending love, prayers, and healing thoughts to you all.
Beth Beattie
RIP sweet lady!
Diane was the communicator of the family. Always sending an update letter in her Christmas card. Larry & I were the younger cousins & most of my memories are of taking the train from Perry, Iowa to Omaha to visit uncle Bud and Larry. We always stopped at the deli for hot pastrami and dill pickles for sandwiches. And Bud & Larry boxed in the kitchen. Wish we had all lived closer. Diane will be missed. Love you all cousins, Larry & Linda, Don & kids & grandkids. Love Trish
Diane was my best friend for over 20 years and I will forever hold her in my heart.
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