ForeverMissed
Large image
Portrait of Dede, circa 1993, as she founded Jackson Hole Therapuetic Riding Association

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Diana McDonald, 64, born on July 30, 1950 and passed away on March 27, 2015. We will remember her forever.

Please visit the "Stories" tab above to share your favorite story (or stories) of Dede. We would love for you to upload your stories in a verbally spoken format. You can record yourself using your mobile device (or many other methods) and upload using the "illustrate your story" option at the bottom of the "Stories" tab.

Tributes

Leave a tribute
brandee herrera
May 5, 2015
May 5, 2015
It was such an honor for Hospice of Laramie staff to work with Dede and your family. We didn't get to know her for very long, but it is evident that she is much loved by many people and is a remarkable woman. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of getting to know her family.
Brandee, Susan, Heather, Rhett, Kim, Sandi, Terri, Bridgett and Lou.
Janice Baker
April 18, 2015
April 18, 2015
I worked with Dede for almost 26 years @ C-V. She was a tremendous resource and motivator! She knew something about everything when it came to the kids! She challenged me to keep trying and look for other interventions. She was always available. I am so lucky to have known/learned from from her. She was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Susan Holz
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
I moved to Sublette County in 1989 as a Physical Therapist and began treating patients in Big Piney and Pinedale. Dede was an amazing mentor and resource for me. She was enthusiastic, welcoming, and so open with her vast knowledge of pediatric therapy. She invited me to clinics, taught me how to cast for DAFOs, advised me on ambulation aides and wheelchairs fittings. She was an incredible teacher and one of the best in her field. She is missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
MJ Martin
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
I worked with Dede at C-V in the 80's. She always made the welfare of the students her first priority. I'm sorry to hear she past away at such a young age. Condolences to her friends and family.
Tallelah Johnson
April 14, 2015
April 14, 2015
Not a day goes by that Dede is not thought about. Without her guidance, knowledge, patience & love our son Kenner would not be the active little man he is today. As many feel, it hurts to know she is no longer a phone call away. We will miss her laugh & hugs. We will forever be greatful to have her be a part of our family & lives. Dede will always be remembered through the triumphs & hurdles Kenner overcomes in his lifetime. We love you Dede & shed a tear for each joyous moment we were lucky enough to share with you!
E.h. Morningstar
April 9, 2015
April 9, 2015
I first met Dede four years ago working at the middle school and feel like she is with me forever now. The way she worked with kids was truly awe-inspiring. She put her whole heart into her job and those kids. I will never forget her sincerity, empathy and kindness. You will be missed, in more ways than one. -Eugene
Mary Fick Monteith
April 9, 2015
April 9, 2015
As an AT Specialist, Dede would consult with me regarding students with special needs. She was dedicated to finding technology that would enhance the abilities of those with whom she worked, and encouraging others in the teaching profession to do the same. She was truly gifted and her students and those in her sphere were blessed!
sabra carman
April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015
Dede was the best hockey mom any of our high school teammates could have ever asked for. She would do anything for her sons and their friends, and it seemed she was there for every soccer and hockey game Ryan and I ever played in. Thank you Dede for being such a great part of our lives, you are very missed! Love, Sabra
Diana Kohler
April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
Dede and I went to high school together, and I remember her mostly as a sweet girl. I didn't know much about her adult life. What a remarkable difference she made in the world! My sympathies to all who loved her.
Peggy Zientara
April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Dede's passing! I am in Toledo and was a good friend and cheerleader with her all through our years at Whitmer High School. We spent many many hours together practicing cheers, painting signs , having slumber parties and planning fundraising at her mom's house! I also know her brother Rob. The last time I saw her was at Rob's house several years ago and she talked about all her boys! She was proud of all of you and loved you so. My heart goes out to her family and friends! I am sure she is helping God's children in heaven now! Rest in Peace Dede.
Diane Lee
April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
She was a truly remarkable woman and my heart goes out to all of you whose own hearts are so saddened by her passing. As a fellow high school graduate, I feel so much Whitmer Pride for having known Dede. Heartfelt blessings to all.
Cheryl Thieman
April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
I went to high school with Dede and thought she was a great gal. I remember she was very well liked and supported Whitmer completely!! So sorry her life was shortened but it sounds like she was a remarkable person throughout her adult life. Prayers to her family at this most difficult time!!
Doug Bowman
April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
I went to Whitmer High School with Dede, and enjoyed knowing her. She always had a smile and was a very vibrant and compassionate person. My sincere condolences to her family. She surely will be missed.
Doug Bowman
jeanne relford
April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
Will always remember her smile and laughter, a wonderful person gone way to soon. Sincere sympathy to her family. We were friends in high school in Toledo @ WHS... So sorry for your loss, Diana was the type of person that made it so easy to care and enjoy her friendship.. Forever in our hearts. Sincerely Jeanne Cousino WHS class of '68

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
brandee herrera
May 5, 2015
May 5, 2015
It was such an honor for Hospice of Laramie staff to work with Dede and your family. We didn't get to know her for very long, but it is evident that she is much loved by many people and is a remarkable woman. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of getting to know her family.
Brandee, Susan, Heather, Rhett, Kim, Sandi, Terri, Bridgett and Lou.
Janice Baker
April 18, 2015
April 18, 2015
I worked with Dede for almost 26 years @ C-V. She was a tremendous resource and motivator! She knew something about everything when it came to the kids! She challenged me to keep trying and look for other interventions. She was always available. I am so lucky to have known/learned from from her. She was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Susan Holz
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
I moved to Sublette County in 1989 as a Physical Therapist and began treating patients in Big Piney and Pinedale. Dede was an amazing mentor and resource for me. She was enthusiastic, welcoming, and so open with her vast knowledge of pediatric therapy. She invited me to clinics, taught me how to cast for DAFOs, advised me on ambulation aides and wheelchairs fittings. She was an incredible teacher and one of the best in her field. She is missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
View all 14 tributes
Gallery
Portrait of Dede, circa 1993, as she founded Jackson Hole Therapuetic Riding Association
Dede young athletes banner
Dede at Wilson Rink
Processing...
This may take up to an hour.
Please be patient.
Error:
click to contact support.
JHTRA
Sophomore cheerleaders (2)
Whitmer Pride
Dede's 64th Birthday Party with Gina, Robbi and Patty. Good friends forever !
Processing...
This may take up to an hour.
Please be patient.
Error:
click to contact support.
2012 My Valentine
theraputichorses
View all 31 items
Recent stories

Patty talks about her relationship with Dede

April 10, 2015
by Kyle McDonald
PattyTalley_Dede (online-audio-converter.com)

Patty recounts her relationship with Dede which started in the 1980's when Dede first moved to Jackson.

How I met Dede.

April 1, 2015
by Jeffrey McDonald
How I met Dede (Audio)

Dede was in charge of the largest spinal cord injury rehab facility in the state of Arizona when I walked into Good Sam Hospital in Phoenix for out patient PT. Her best friend Deborah was my PT but I kept my eyes on Dede and got to know her through the days and weeks of rehab from a below knee amputation due to a motorcycle accident in Jackson Hole. I was 29 at the time and didn't like the new me very much, but Dede only saw a young man with eyes for her. She helped me see that my injuries were nothing compared to the paraplegic and quadraplegic patients she worked on daily and soon we were dating and falling for each other. 

Invite others to Diana's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline

Share in Messenger