Jim and family:

My deepest sympathies are with you all during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the gift of all Diana brought you in her amazing life and hold her memory in your heart always. May The Lord Bless each one of you and hold you tightly in the palm of His hand. God Bless you all.

Victoria LaMar-Haas and family

Diana truly touched people’s lives. I shall greatly miss her.
Time with those we dearly love is always too short.

Thank you for being such a beautiful blessing in my life. We had a special friendship and bonded over our fur babies. I bet Moller was so happy to see you on the other side of the rainbow bridge. You are home now my sweet friend. You will be dearly missed, but I will honor your memory every time I love on my sweet kitties. Love you always until we meet again!

I am stunned and saddened to hear of Diana's passing - at only age 67! I worked as a scientist at the Energy Commission and used the library quite a bit. Diana was always so cheerful and helpful; we had a nice connection. I'm sorry I never got to sample her cookies! My deepest condolences to her family. I would like to contribute toward naming a seat in her honor at Music Circus - can someone contact me about that? Again, my condolences.  - Elaine

Diana was a beautiful loving person! I've known Jim and Diana for almost 20 years now! Diana was truly a light in this world, always with a smile on her face, and with a big hug! As we lay her to rest, we know that this isn't good-bye, only we'll see you later!
This is a poem I've written for her, Jim, Zach and Sarah.

Ashes to ashes,
And dust to dust,
The body returns,
And so it must.

But this is not the end,
Oh no sirree!
For this is only the next step,
In our journey you see.

For when you've given your soul,
To Jesus Christ our Lord,
Though the body may go down,
Upward our soul does soar.

Upward to heaven,
Up, up we soar,
To experience God's love, peace and joy,
Now and forevermore!

See you later Diana! We love you!

Dear Watkins family,

I was surprised and saddened to learn that Diana had passed. I had the pleasure of meeting Diana when we worked together at the Energy Commission. I was struck immediately by her open, friendly and warm personality. She was an excellent Librarian, who was very knowledgeable of her trade, and the reason the Energy Commission Library was top notch. I personally appreciated her support and friendship. I enjoyed visiting her Library and spending time with her discussing all types of things. After I retired as Chief of Administrative Services, I did not get a chance to see her again. However, I have never forgotten her. As I am sure you know, she was special.  May God bless and keep all of you; and I encourage you to remember the good times.

Jim, Sarah, Matt and Zachary
The world - at least this mortal plane--has lost a beautiful presence.  Diana brought warmth, laughter and peace with her as a gift to others wherever she went. (and in my experience frequently the best cookies ever)

We are all the poorer for her physical presence being gone, but much richer for her having touched us. We are also the richer for the care and nurturing she gave to her family and that her spirit still lives through you.

I was shocked and saddened to read of Diana's passing. I had the privilege of working for Diana at the Calif. Energy Commission for several years. She was a fantastic boss, very flexible and caring. We both had young families at the time and that flexibility was oh so important! I agree with others about her infectious smile and laugh and that is certainly how I will remember her. My heart goes out to Jim , Sarah and Zachary. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I was saddened to see in the Bee the passing of Diana. I enjoyed my time with your family. Please accept my deepest condolences. May your faith bring you comfort in your loss. Sincerely, Karen Chaney, DC

Diana always had a warm friendly smile and a very caring personality.
We met while Jim was in grad school and we had many wonderful get-to-gethers. We reconnected when Carolyn, my wife could get to enjoy their friendship. We were very saddened to read of her loss. Our best wishes to Jim and her family.

It is difficult to reflect quietly on Diana Fay Watkins. As soon as you begin, joy disrupts everything. The joy of Diana seems much more comfortable with movement, music, engaged conversation, humming sewing machines, laughter, cookies achieving their exalted destiny in the oven, artistry in action, the calling of written words, and a blur of other activities all ascendant. (note to self: change your paradigm of "librarian").

Diana increased my understanding of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Here is what I learned: You have this element, DIANA. DIANA is unique, no other element is the same. DIANA has the capacity to bond with other unique elements to produce an entirely new element. DIANA can bond with JIM resulting in DIANAJIM; the characteristics of which are not found elsewhere in the universe. It's not very far into the DIANA table before you reach the remarkable SARAHDIANAJIMZACHARY where a two-dimensional representation breaks down and is insufficient to illuminate all the bonds and all the complexities of this unique element. The study of DIANA will lead you to understand that her defining attribute was connecting a wondrous world that included family, friends, co-workers, dolls, quilts, books, mountains, the garden out back, oceans, cats, home, dinner, those cookies, and more with the strongest bonds.

On August 6th, the Joycester reminded us that Diana was a blessed presence. As Diana's journeys continue, I believe that the bonds she created are unbreakable and that her blessed presence will be there when you dance, make or play music, smile at others, bake chocolate chip cookies, read, enjoy the company of others, create, or make the futile attempt to quietly reflect on Diana Fay Watkins. We honor Diana when we call those strong bonds she created by their real name, love. Diana and Jim knew it and the Beatles said it: "All you need is love." As Diana might say: "You can look it up."

Blessings and love to all who love Diana...

What sets Diana apart from so many for me (besides her famous delicious chocolate chip cookies) was her genuine kindness and warmth and the love she and her husband Jim obviously shared. She and Jim, a fellow Aikido student mirrored each other in a lovely way and had a love for each other that was so apparent and tangible it inspired a renewed love for life itself and human goodness. I hope Jim and Diana's family will carry on the spirit of that love.

Diana was a beautiful doll maker . I had the privilege of working with her in many porcelain doll making seminars. Her shining face and loving personality will be missed by all her knew her!

Like some others, I first met Diana by way of her amazing chocolate cookies at Aikdo dojo potlucks. I wondered how good could they be, that everyone was making such a fuss? They were that good!

I got to know her better when I went over to talk to her and Jim about things after her diagnosis .... as a doctor-friend, who could translate "medical-ese" terminology and explain some things. I was impressed so much with two things, (1) the extraordinary love between Jim and Diana, from when they were kids, really, up to today! And (2) her extraordinary courage. Really strong, no-nonsense, "Let's find out what is true and then deal with that." I was struck: a truly strong woman.

Love to you all as you grieve. <3

What I will remember most about Diana is her smile, her contagious laugh and her thoughtful look and reflective "hmmm" whenever I shared something that made her think. She always worried more about everyone else than herself, and I say to you now, Diana, go in peace knowing that you have given a lifetime of love to carry those who are left. All shall be well, my dear friend!

Diana was always happy and smiling and laughing. When she came into a room, you knew it because you could hear her energy and laughter. She was a wonderful woman with a wonderful laugh and it just made you happy to be around. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

I treasure my memory of Diana's enduring cheerfulness… her quick smile and laughter. Plus… I'll always remember her World Famous Chicken Broccoli Casserole and her Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies. Thank you, Diana, for blessing us with your presence.

Over the past weeks, I have been reflecting on my amazing friendship with Diana. She was a wonderful travel companion. We went to Fall Retreat together, to museums and quit shows to name a few. We always had so much fun. Diana loved to laugh and have a good time. We worshipped together and sang in Hymnosis together. I loved the amazing dolls she made, they were beautiful and had such detailed craftsmanship. I will miss her radiant smile. Diana, you blessed us all. Love, Nancy Garrett

Diana and I have been friends since we were 11 years old. We met at a 4-H Club party in Latrobe, and became instant friends. We were best friends all through high school, and roommates at UC Davis. That's when she met Jim, whom we all loved instantly. We all had fun going to dinner together at school and laughing over everything. When Diana and I were in high school, Goldie, Frank and SharonLea were very nice to let me come over all the time and visit them at the house in Latrobe. Their little stone house was my second home all summer. Over the years and then recently, I came up and visited Diana and Jim in Sacramento. Diana meant so much to me, and to all of us. Her friendship and positive outlook spread joy her whole life. So wonderful that she had Jim in her life, an angel. Diana was happy that Sarah and Zach are close by--and I did hear all about the legendary meals they cooked. My love and good wishes go out to the family. I am forever your friend, always. Thank you Jim for always reaching out to us, I am so grateful for the friendship. Diana we will miss you. Much love, Michelle

I met Diana for the first time about 5 years ago at an Aikido dojo potluck - everyone was salivating to get one of her famous chocolate chip cookies. One special member of the dojo even hoarded a whole plate of them... I had no idea she made those at that time, and I made the comment that those cookies must be pretty special, and what a pity it was that I could not eat them because I stay away from gluten. So we just chit-chatted along, and she revealed that she was the baking genius who made them. Her kind, and matter-of-fact way to talk, and the infectious laughter will stay in my heart, forever.

It was always a pleasure to see Diana. I met her at the reception for the art exhibit where her daughter Sarah was one of my featured artists. A couple asked me to explain why Sarah's work was in the show, so I did. When I finished, Diana laughed, and Jim said, "That's our daughter!" When I looked surprised, Diana laughed again. Whenever I saw her, something would make her laugh, even towards the end of her life, and that's how I'll remember her -- a lovely woman with a beautiful smile and a wonderful laugh.

Diana was a fine woman.  I worked for her at the CEC and later briefly with her at Caltrans.  She was ALWAYS upbeat, always conscientious, always a good worker.  The library world will miss her.  We will all miss her.

Diana also leaves her Niece Melissa, who love her like another mother...Nephews Chris, and Bryan, she always made sure they had some new school clothes when they were small and we were struggling. Diana also had two Great Nephews, Jack and Henry. They all loved her very much

Danner,( Diana) was my only sister, and we have stood together every since we lost our brother in 1967. The Lasswell girls we were called, we stood together through losing both our parents and our blessed Grammie. And even though she is not here for me to see I know she will stand by me always until my time on earth is done. I Love you Forever

Diana has been in my life since I was born. Richie and I were the same age, just young enough to torture Diana, as much as possible. I always remember her being one of my older sisters. I know she got mad at us, but I also know she was full of love too. Her smile lit up the world. My heart is sad, but I will keep her smile in my heart forever. She is in peace, light and love. Diana was loved by many and will be missed terribly. Much love to her entire family,
Michele

Words to Calm the Spirit
Ametsuchi no musubi no naka ni chihayaburu
Kami no mioya no oyaoya to tsutae mashite
Chichihaha no atae tamahishi wake mitama.
Life originated with great vigor when heaven and earth took form, the genesis of the universe. The mitama of the kamisama has divided and been transmitted to us through our ancestors and parents.
Kono utsushiyo o makari naba
Towa no mitama no furusato no kami no mikado ni kaeru nari
When we pass from this visible world, we return to the resplendent abode of the kami, the origin of the enduring mitama.
Kami no mikado wa
Ametsuchi no nagaki inochi ni kotonarazu
Mimi ni kokoezu me ni mienu
Kiyoki nagisa ni shiki nami no yosuru tokoyo no kuni to yu.
The kamisama realm of eternal life remains inaudible and invisible. It is said: in the eternal land of the kamisama, waves gently lap on a beautiful, endless shore.
Tokoyo no kuni ni shirakumo no chie o oshi wake akanesasu
Hi no wakamiya ga tatsu to yu
It is said: in heaven the white clouds are pushed away, and there stands a shrine of the sun which shines a brilliant crimson color.
Hi no wakamiya no takadono ni
Yoyo no mitama wa akaru tae teru
Tae mochite mi o yosohi mizu no magatama
Torikakete yasuku odahi ni masu to yu
It is said: generations and generations of mitama radiate extraordinarily brightly, residing in the calm, tranquil sanctuary of the Sun Shrine, wearing exquisite, beautiful jewels.
Yasuku odahi ni masu koto o aogi kohinomi
Utsusomi no ware mo ukara mo hitosuji ni
We who are living in the present world
Earnestly look up in prayer, pleading for abiding peace and tranquility for the Departed.
Kami no mamichi no masamichi o ukegahi matsuri tsutsushimite
We sincerely believe in the true, straight path of the kami.
Oyako harakara mutsumajiku ie o totonoe
Mi o osame kiyoku akaruku urehinaku
Ikuru makoto o ame kakeri kuni kakerishite misonahashi
Parents and children, brothers and sisters—all strive to live clearly and brightly, in happiness and without grief. See how this truth flies through the heavens and soars across the earth!
Mitama wa takaku yasurakeku
Iya tokoshie ni shizumarite
We pray that your mitama abide nobly, in peaceful tranquility for all time.
Ie no sakae o mamori mase
Ie no sakae o mamori mase
Protect the prosperity of our livelihoods.
Protect the prosperity of our homes.
Mu jo rei ho shin ju bu gyo
Ten jo mu kyu mei un ryu sho
Bu nan nyu shin ka sho an raku
Not/above/spirit/treasure sincerity/receive/serve/go
Heaven/earth/not/distress life/fate/flourishing/bright
Not/distress/enter/kami changing/life/peaceful/ease
Myo ho ji gen dai i jin tsu riki
We follow kannagara, the way of the universe,
that the kami will manifest divine power in our being.
Harae tamae kiyome tamae mamori tamae
Sakiwae tamae terashi tamae michibiki tamae
Sweep the impurities from our being and purify our spirits
Grant us protection; grant us happiness;
Restore brightness to our spirits and give us guidance.
Sugasuga shiku sukoyaka ni
Higoto yogoto o arashime tamae
We implore the kami, that we may know health and strength, every day and every night.