Dianna Sue Howard, loving wife, mother and ‘Meema’

OLEAN — On Friday (Aug. 14, 2026) Dianna S. Howard passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. She spent her last day at home smiling at her great-grandchildren.

Dianna carried a light inside of her that touched everyone that she met. The world is dimmer without her in it, but her family and friends carry her with us wherever we go. Never will there be another human like our people’s princess Dianna, a person like our Meema.

On July 6, 1947, in the small town of Waynesburg, Pa., a baby girl was born to Carl and Margaret Aldene White. Her name was Dianna and she would grow to be “Our People’s Princess.”

She would often reminisce about her childhood. Some of her favorite memories to talk about from that time included brushing her grandma’s hair in front of the fireplace, learning to sew on her favorite aunt’s machine, spending time with their close neighbors and being a mother hen to her two little sisters.

When Dianna was 13, her family moved to Olean where she attended Olean High School, graduating in 1965. There she made lifelong friends. After graduation she met the love of her life Wayne. He says it was love at first sight. Wayne and Dianna were married in 1966 and soon had three daughters.

Dianna was a multi-passioned person which led her to pursue many different occupations including ceramics teacher, office management and eventually retiring from Sears.

In her retirement she devoted her time to her church, first Christ United Methodist Church and later Grace Gathering Global Methodist Church. Volunteering at the Olean Food Pantry, spending time traveling with the Coasters Club and being the best wife, sister, mother, grandparent and friend that she could possibly be.

Dianna had a way of making everyone feel like family with her warm-hearted generosity. She made and donated many items to various churches and organizations.

Dianna’s daughters had children and she made it her life’s mission to become the absolute best grandmother ever. She was their Meema and she succeeded by every measure. As a grandmother, Dianna was the biggest supporter of her 10 grandchildren. She was present at every game, every concert, every big moment and special occasion. She was only a phone call away not just for her grandkids but to any that she could serve. She was a Meema to all.

Wayne and Dianna’s family would grow to include their three daughters, Lisa (Mike) Howard, Patti (Pat) Shoff and Debbie (Jason) Hatch; 10 grandchildren, Lee, Corey, Jennifer, Joshua, Zachary, Catrina, Justus, Jordan, Wyatt and Chase; and 18 great-grandchildren. Dianna valued the relationships that she had with her two sisters, Carla (Zon) Davidson and Robbin Klingbiel; and her sister-in-law, Carol “Corky” (Gary) Howard; as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 20, 2026) at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, 646 E. State St., Olean, at which time a funeral service will be held. The Rev. Ronald Isaman will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Olean Food Pantry, 8 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, NY 14760; or Grace Gathering Global Methodist Church, 235 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.