Obituary of Diane C. Parker

Diane C. Parker, a long-time resident of northeast Ohio, passed away on February 27th after a brief illness.  During her final days she was surrounded by her loving family, who are deeply saddened by her departure. Born on April 14, 1932 in Kansas City Missouri, of Robert and Catherine Madorie Cooper, Diane Morrow Cooper enjoyed a full and independent life.  She was, first and foremost, a loving mother to her seven children, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  She was the devoted wife of the late William T. Bell of Aurora, OH, with whom she enjoyed a 30-year marriage filled with travel, laughter and affection. From an early age, Diane was distinguished by her pluck and determination.  After bringing seven children into the world, she went back to school in 1968 to study psychology at Case Western Reserve University.  She may have been the only mother of seven to obtain a private pilot's license.  For the sake of her kids, she insisted on learning how to fly the Cessna 205 purchased by her former husband, Stephen E. Parker.  Once her children were grown, Diane took up quilting, and proceeded to make dozens of beautiful quilts for her friends and family.  A shy and private person by nature, Diane was nevertheless loved and admired by many, who appreciated her strength, independence, and sense of humor--which were matched only by her kindness, tolerance and humility.  Diane lived life on her own terms, always abiding by her two Golden Rules:  Treat Others as You Wish to be Treated, and Live and Let Live. Diane is survived by her sisters Karen Lindholm and Penelope Hall, her sons Stephen Ely, Jr., Thomas Murray and John James Parker, and by her daughters Lisa Davis Parker and Karen Elizabeth Parker Feld.  She will be deeply missed by them, and by her brothers-in-law Clifford Lindholm and Robert Hall, her devoted daughters-in-law Melisa Parker, Linda Parker, and Darleen Grimsley, her son-in-law Rod Hanze, and by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Diane has been welcomed into heaven by her beloved brother Robert E. Cooper, III, her darling daughter Jennifer Dudley Parker and her wonderful son Robert Ely Parker. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday March 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Southeast Church of the Nazarene, 771 Dunbar Rd., Tallmadge, OH, Pastor Mike Castelli officiating and where the family will greet friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church.  Cremation has taken place.  Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406 or Catholic Charities, 640 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310.