Diane Woodward treasured her family and friends and took great pride in the many friendships she developed in her hometown of Ferndale. She was a gregarious, fun-loving person with a big personality and a generous spirit.
She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her fondness for entertaining, cooking great food and enjoying a good party.
A lifelong resident of Ferndale, Diane passed away on Sept 10. She was 72.
Among Diane’s many joys in life were her animals, especially her beloved Eddy, and her numerous cats. She also loved celebrating all holidays – especially Christmas. She loved decorating her home for the holidays and enjoyed attending Christmas plays in town. She also enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Italy, Hong Kong, Mexico, Jamaica, the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States.
Diane graduated from Ferndale High School, then went on to graduate from Sacramento State University.
She later took over her father Ernest Laffranchi’s business, Pacific Dairy Supply, and ran the company for many years.
Diane suffered many health challenges over the last few years. She spent her final 2 years in a healthcare facility in Sonoma.
She will be greatly missed but not forgotten for the joy she brought to others.
The family would like to extend a Thank You to the kind and attentive staff at Broadway Villa Post Acute in Sonoma for the gentle, loving care they gave Diane.
Diane is survived by her sister, Lorene Laffranchi, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Laffranchi and Irene (Gamboni) Laffranchi.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.