Diana L. Altman

1934 - 2013

Diana L. Altman obituary, 1934-2013, Laurinburg, NC

BORN

1934

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

1701 East Millbrook Road

Raleigh, North Carolina

Diana Altman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 12, 2013.

Diana Lynn Altman, 79, of Laurinburg, NC, died December 11, 2013 of complications resulting from multiple strokes. She is survived by her daughter, Lydian and her two daughters, Brooke and Christine; and her son Reed and his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Sebastian and Marisol. Diana's career in international development public health took her to nearly half the countries in the world, and most recently she had homes in Chapel Hill and Laurinburg, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Scotland County chapters of Habitat for Humanity, Literacy Council, or Planned Parenthood. Online condolences may be made and further information about a service at Scotland Place in Laurinburg, Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 2-4 pm may be found at: www.brownwynnemillbrook.com. The obituary will be updated as soon as possible, so please check back.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to;
-Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County
12340 McColl Rd.
Laurinburg, NC 28352
-Scotland County Literacy Council
213 McLaurin Ave.
Laurinburg NC 28352
-Planned Parenthood
1765 Dobbins Dr.
P.O. Box 3258
Chapel Hill NC 27514

Lydian wrote this a few hours before her mom died last Wednesday:

Some of you may be aware yet others are not, that my mother, Diana Altman, has been dealing with some health issues in the last month or so. It started as double vision and dizziness that grew progressively worse (but intermittent) in late October. Initially, she was referred to a vascular surgeon for a blockage in a chest artery.

We were busy getting pre-op tests taken care in the days before Thanksgiving. She was still dizzy and was having trouble managing day to day tasks. Thanksgiving day, however, she was able to get dressed and join the entire family in some of the dinner preparations. Tradition dictates that she make the gravy and carve the bird. This year my brother, Reed, did the carving and mom supervised my oldest daughter, Brooke, in gravy-making. We all were able to join at the table for a fellowship and merriment.

That evening mom returned to Raleigh to spend a few days with Reed and his Family. Friday morning she woke up and could not move her legs. She was transported by ambulance to Duke Raleigh Hospital, about 2 miles from Reed's house. We have been here ever since.

Initially, the diagnosis showed she has had a series of mini strokes. A cerebral angiogram indicated complete blockage of the rear two (of four) arteries leading to the brain. Incredibly, and somewhat mysteriously, the front two are relatively clear. We expected to release her to acute rehab on December 6, a week after admittance.

The evening of December 5th, mom suffered another stoke in the brain stem, which controls major bodily functions like swallowing and breathing. Despite an initial rally, it became increasingly clear she could not go to rehab since she could not pass the assessment tests. Even if she was able to regain some of these functions, she would be living under the threat of additional strokes given the blockages and recent experiences. Reed and I reached a difficult and necessary fork in the road decision.

Mom is still here in hospital but under palliative care until she passes. No more poking, prodding, sticking, or beeping. This is hard, but the right thing to do. Thankfully, my girls and brother have been here and very supportive. Yesterday morning they sang her carols and favorite Beatles tunes. :-). This morning she is resting peacefully and taking very shallow breaths.

I am grateful to all of you for the words of comfort you have offered. No doubt we will need more of that as we navigate days ahead.

Lydian

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Diana Altman

Sponsored by NO SPONSOR.

What is your first memory of Diana?

Share a favorite memory you have of Diana.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Diana.

Describe a time when Diana made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Diana?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Diana.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Diana.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Diana.

What is something you learned from Diana?

Not sure what to say?

March 31, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Diana. I wondered why my
Christmas card was returned and only now searched for a
new address. Loved her visit to me in Utah and being a
fellow classmate in the Public Health School at Chapel Hill.
My condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Best to you, Anne Macey (Teasdale, Utah)

July 1, 2014

Elaine Kelly

Dear Lydian, Reed, and children. I did not learn of my cousin Diana passing on until recently from my cousin George. I am sure she is in a better place. I never had the opportunity to know her.

January 5, 2014

Jan Allen

Lydian and Reed - I am so sorry for your loss. I've been friends with Diana for such a long time. My many memories go back to our feminist NOW activism trying to pass the ERA. This has been such a difficult time for you. Thank you so much for sharing. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Jan Allen

December 25, 2013

Verla Insko

Lydian, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and Reed and your families. Diana was a wonderfully strong woman who made a difference in the world. She was a role model for me and for many others during her Chapel Hill days. I'm grateful to have known her.

December 20, 2013

Bobbie Robertson

I am sorry for your loss. I worked closely with Diana at Scotland County Literacy Council for many years. She was very dedicated to helping the Literacy Council provide services to those in the community. I have witnessed her generosity of time and resources to help serve others. Every time that I spoke with her, I learned something new. She always talked about her children and grandchildren. She was very proud of you all and loved to spend time with you. Keep those precious memories close to your hearts forever.

December 19, 2013

My deepest sympathies to Diana's family. Please draw comfort from James 4:8 which shows if you draw close to God He will draw close to you.

December 18, 2013

Carolyn Beranek

So sorry to hear of Diana's death. She was one active, inspiring lady!

December 17, 2013

Mary Nations

I am really sorry for your loss. Diana leaves a beautiful legacy in her fine family and good works. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

December 16, 2013

Lynn and Bruce Richards

Aunt Diana was such a remarkable woman in so very many ways. We will miss her sense of adventure, humor, kindness and love of family. We are thinking of her children and grandchildren (our cousins) at this very hard time--we know how very much they will miss her. We will too. With great sadness,

December 16, 2013

Jan Hester Maynor

I became acquainted with Ms. Altman through her service to our Region's seniors on the Region N Aging Advisory Board and in her role as an alternate to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature. She was a valuable asset to these boards and her understanding and willingness to take up difficult issues will be greatly missed. Lydian, I did not realize this was your Mom until last week. I should have recognized the wonderful similarities much sooner. My thoughts are with you and your family.

December 16, 2013

Faith Thompson

Lydian, Brooke, and Christina, please know that my heart is heavy as I think about your loss. I know that as believers, you know that a comforter is with you to give each of you a peace that passes all understanding. I pray that you reach out as you need to and that the love and assistance you receive in return helps you during this difficult time. I love you and will be willing to do whatever will make your pain more bearable. Faith

December 16, 2013

Diana was both a member of our extended family and a good friend. We will miss her kindness and good humor. Our deepest sympathy to her children and grandchildren.

Marilyn and Jim Altman

December 16, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Diana. My sincere sympathy to the family. May Almighty God provide you with comfort and peace during this difficult time of your life.

December 16, 2013

Suzanne LaFollette-Black

Diana was a true advocate for AARP and issues that could affect people's lives. She could always be counted on for her community service in Scotland County, because she cared.
THANKS, Diana for all you have done to make North Carolina a better place to live.
Suzanne LaFollette-Black ( AARP- NC )

December 15, 2013

Betsy Feldman

I wish to express deepest sympathy to the family of Aunt Diana. She was a beautiful and accomplished person. I vividly recall her at my mother's home when I was in high school (I think) singing along to some of my brother's records. I thought is was Joan Baez in the next room!

December 15, 2013

Juanita Bowen

Diana and I had worked together with Seniors in an Investment Club for 10 years. Also Aging Advisory commitee and Literacy Council. She will be greatly missed in Scotland County.

Juanita Bowen (Laurinburg NC)

December 14, 2013

Dee Hammond

I got to know Diana recently and I will miss talking with her and working with her as a Scotland County Democratic Women member. She turned me on to Crystal Light Peach Tea and when I drink it, I will always remember her.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

December 14, 2013

Barbara Wright

Diana, you will be missed. Thanks for years of service as President of the Scotland County Chapter of AARP.

December 13, 2013

Joe Jones

Enjoyed working with you at Habitat For Humanity and LRCOG Regional Aging Advisory Committee

December 13, 2013

Janie Adams

Thank You Diana for your hard work and dedication to the Scotland County Literacy Council. You will be missed.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Diana Altman's name

Memorial Events
for Diana Altman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

How to support Diana's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Diana Altman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more