Diane Audley Thayer passed peacefully in her sleep late Sunday, February 26, 2023. She was 84 years old.
A lifelong elementary school teacher, her legacy is the hundreds of first, second, and third grade students she educated during her 40+ year career. Diane was recognized with many teaching awards, including California State Teacher of the Year. Her gift was instilling a life-long love of learning in her students. She was frequently stopped on the street by former students – now adults – who would tell her how she inspired them and positively affected their lives.
Diane also was an avid traveler, taking every opportunity to visit locations near and far. Some of her more ambitious trips included Bhutan, Mongolia, and Patagonia. Her other great pleasure was spending time with family.
She is survived by her brother Scott Wollesen, sister Mary Wollesen, brother-in-law Antonio Santiago, daughters Susan Thayer and Lyn Thayer Denend, and three granddaughters Alexandra Thayer, Kate Denend, and Emma Denend. She will be missed!
