For the last few months of her life, Diane would call me every Wednesday morning around 7 AM to remind me to take her mail in and her garbage out. If I happened to be awake already, I would pick up and speak to her like an old friend just reconnecting after a long absence. It was when these calls began to cease that I knew the end was near. She was always most generous and thankful for the work I did for her. One time I watered her grass trying to grow in the center of her yard without her asking, and she noticed it and said Well, God bless you for doing that. She would always ask, after describing the job she wished done, if it was something I would be willing to help her with. Invariably I said yes, even if it meant doing snow removal, which I pretty much detest. But who could say No to such a kind lady?

I met Diane in 1984 when she was in the theatre department. She was the first face you saw when you walked into the office, which was usually an errand of some kind of paper-worky thing that non of the "artists" ever had time to do themselves. She was a one of a kind human being with a fantastic spirit of joy yet calm about her. She wrangled hundreds of us into order and never a cross word was spoken. Sympathies to all. Cheryl

Diane was my secretary for ten years at the University of Iowa. She was one of the sweetest people I ever met, and absolutely dedicated to her job. I will always remember her wonderful smile, and how she would grab pen and paper the instant she thought she might have a task. I hope you are peaceful now, Diane; you are deeply missed.

Diana was my Assistant for many years in the Department of Neurology, and was a professional mainstay. She believed in the mission of the department, and in my own career, and every day by many selfless acts advanced both. I was and am so very indebted to her. She was wonderful with patients, absolutely discreet, loyal and deeply caring. Occasionally when she knew that someone in the lab was in trouble, she found a way to make me aware of this with the minimum compromise of confidentiality, and the care with which she did that revealed how deeply principled she was. I regret that I knew so little about her personal life, beyond her devotion to her mother. For someone so humbly reserved, she had that unrestrained and pure laugh that others have mentioned. It still reaches me.

I remember the Topinka Family, Diane's Brother Rick and her Mom and Dad of course. Rick and I were close friends in Junior High and High School and for quite a few years following as well. Eventually we drifted apart however and I've often wondered how he and Diane were doing.

We've lost a very special person, Diane, a colleague and friend. I had the good fortune of knowing her from her first day in the Department of Neurology through her untimely retirement. When a new challenge was posed, she faced it readily, steno pad in hand. Her attention to detail, empathy, and professionalism were apparent in all she did. She was always ready to help, and volunteered many times before one was sought. She definitely helped me out on more than one occasion. Thank you Diane for so many things. You will be remembered tomorrow with a smile through today's tears.

Neal Purdum, supervisor, co-worker, friend

I remember Diane from the early 1990s when she was still working in the office of the Theatre Arts Department. She was so helpful in getting me settled and launched as a new faculty member. The kindness, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh her friends and co-workers in Neurology have written about also blessed us in Theatre Arts for a number of years. So sad to hear of her passing, but wonderful to read about the happiness she shared with family and friends. Adding condolences from those of us who knew her in the more distant past.

Diane was such a wonderful person, and a great co-worker. She was always so helpful and kind. She will be greatly missed!

Diane and I were good friends for many years. Our Friday night pizza or Mexican was always a joy after the work week. Saturdays were spent shopping, movies, Amana Colonies or Cedar Rapids. She was a thoughtful and very caring friend. The past two years during her illness she seldom complained. . Diane loved all holidays especially Christmas when her home would be decorated to the max! She was a wonderful daughter for her parents. My sincere condolences to Rick, her brother. I will miss her .

Mary Jean Madsen

Coralville, Ia

Diana once said that her father used to tell them: if you cannot be part of the solution, do not be part of the problem. And sure enough, she was always part of the solutions, helping everyone. She was simply an outstanding co-worker to all. Blessings to her friends and family.

Diane was a wonderful person who always brightened my day, and anyone else with the good fortune to see her. I miss her.

Diane and I took a Sociology class together many years ago at the University of Iowa. She was such a beautiful and good person that my memory of her has stayed with me. She had a beautiful smile and was a friendly and kind person.

Diane was a great person. She always had a positive attitude and a smile for everyone. She cared deeply about our patients and her co-workers. I am very fortunate to have worked with her for the last ten years. She will be dearly missed. God bless her.

Diane and I had a special friendship. Even though we never did anything together outside of work we spoke almost every day. We talked on the phone while she was on sick leave. We exchanged many stories both happy and sad. We laughed alot. I loved her positive attitude about life and her smile even when she did not feel well. Her positive attitude was infectious and some how always made me have a better day. I know she would not want us to be sad for her. She would want us to think of her in better times. I miss her very much. Dance and sing with the Angels Diane!

At my very first University job I was fortunate to have Diane as my first Co-Worker, she definitley set the bar high for future co-workers to reach. Diane was always so helpful, cheerful and positive no matter what the circumstances. I too will always remember her laugh. My thoughts go out to her family and friends, I know she will be missed. Take care, Shelli

Even though I did not work with Diane anymore everytime I would see her in the hallway she always had a smile. She was a beautiful person inside and out!

I have lived next door to Diane for the last 12 years. A better neighbor a person could not find. I will miss her and all the little chats we would have while we both tended our yards

I have worked with Diana for many years, she always had a special laugh and smile. She was always willing to go that extra step to help anyone and everyone. May God bless you, Diana.

No matter how dire the situation, Diane's spirited laughter had the power to raise everyone's spirit. If only she were here to cheer us through our grief! I miss that laugh...and her smile and her kind and gentle soul.

I will always remember the bright and cheerful way Diane greeted everyone. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with her and get to know her. She was one of the most considerate and kindest people I have ever known. We talked a lot about the big things in life, family and home, and I still have the thoughtful note she sent me when we lost our daughter. Diane was a wonderful daughter herself and now she is with her dear mother again. I think she will fill Heaven with her wonderful laughter. My deepest sympathies to her friends and family. Diane will be greatly missed by many.

Working with Diane the past years in the Neurology Department has been a joy. She was always smiling and upbeat. I often ran into her in the mailroom at work and we alway ended up laughing. My prayers go out to the family and friends. I know Heaven received her with open arms.

Diane was a very sweet,friendly and private person. She had a nice laugh and it was fun to get her to laugh. She always wanted to hear about my family and what was going on with them. Even in her last days she was interested in them and not herself. She will be missed.

Her friend, Becky

I did not know Diane was ill and I was very sad to hear of her passing. I stopped for a quick chat whenever I saw her because she was always on top of the status of things in the clinic. In my early months at University of Iowa she showed me the ropes and was a great team player who offerred whatever support and advice she could. I was sorry she retired but saddened by this news.

A flood of wonderful memories over the years are too many for this writing but her joyous manner and quick wit is the first thing I think of when I fondly remember Diana. I thought her retiring was so sad, now I know it wasn't, this is.

Diane was such a sweet sole! always smiling and always friendly!! I worked with her in the Department of Neurology for many, many years and can attest to the fact that she was a diligent worker, but also always willing to take a quick break to chat about anything and everything... I'll always remember that infectious smile she'd give me when I'd call her "Scooter" in her last few months with us! little did I know:(............. I'm so glad I knew her as she did brighten all of our days!! She'll be dearly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and famly at this time as I'm as sure as I've ever been about anything that she's smiling down on us from above!! Ruth

What an honor it was to have Diane as a friend and co-worker. She was outstanding in her job always pitching in where needed. One memory I will always have of her is talking about always going out to eat pizza on Friday nights with her friend. So we would talk about that every Friday morning I would ask her "Where at you going tonight?" And she would laugh her contagous laugh and tell her story of yes there were going out for pizza or going to pass on that and catch another place. What a reward every Friday night after working hard all week. I hope they have lots of pizza up there for her! Hoping her family and friends find comfort at this difficult time. Prayers to all. Kim

Diane was a wonderful friend. I worked with her in the Neurology Clinic and we shared the same birthday. She will be missed....I'll always remember her laughter.