Diana Patterson Obituary

DIANA PATTERSON
July 5, 1959
September 18, 2020
Born in Jackson MS, Diana would be the only child of parents, Jackie and Don Storment. As Diana grew up she was an exemplary student who enjoyed dreaming of travelling the world. She later went on to attend Mississippi College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She joined the Air Force to 'see the world' as a Registered Nurse. In 1978 she met Geoff (also USAF), whom she married (1983) & had two wonderful sons; Eric (1987) and Ian (1989). Before ultimately settling in Colorado Springs, she and her family were posted to three foreign countries and four states. Diana felt very much at home in Colorado Springs and always considered this beautiful city 'home'. Once roots were put down in Colorado Springs, Diana left the Air Force and spent the next 20 years working at Penrose St. Francis, first as a post-surgical nurse and then as a Nurse Educator. Diana had a passion for both areas of nursing, but her true love was mentoring new graduate nurses into the field! Besides nursing, her greatest love was watching her children grow and then her grandchildren. Family and friends were very important to her! Unfortunately, their time together was too short. Diana leaves behind her partner, Brian Tillman, sons, Eric (Amanda) and Ian (Angie); stepsons, Justin Tillman (Chaterra) and Matthew Tillman (Sydnie); granddaughter, Ashton; step-grandsons, Matthew Jr., Colton, and Kooper Tillman; her dad, Don and step-mother, Helen; step-sisters, Karen McConlogue, Connie Gurchiek, and Susan Hampton; step-brother, Stephen Fortner plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces and a nephew. Diana was a loving friend, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, niece, daughter, partner, and mother. She was preceded in passing by her mother and grandparents. Diana's impact on her world will remain and continue to show. Her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, gentle heart, and unconditional love are felt every day. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Suesgift.org (Susan DiNapoli Ovarian Cancer Society) is greatly appreciated.

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 22, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Diana Patterson

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Dearest Diana, where has the time gone? These past three years I´ve wanted to pick up the phone an incredible number of times to tell you something or ask your advice or just share a laugh/tears/chuckle. I miss you daily. Every time I drive past your house on McIntosh Place, happy memories come flooding back and I smile due to the friendship we have.

Toni

September 16, 2023

Dear friend, I cannot believe that it´s been two years since you left us. I think of you often and reflect on how grateful I am that we met and became lifelong friends almost 30 years ago. Your friendship means the world to me. I miss you.

Toni Brown

Friend

September 18, 2022

Diana, it´s been one year since you left us. I think of you often & the tears of last year have been replaced by a smile as I remember the good times (and bad) that we shared. I miss you, my friend.

Toni

Friend

September 18, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about Diana’s passing. I worked with her at Penrose. I was a new CNA when I first started working with her. She definitely taught me a lot! Years latter I always enjoyed running into her in the halls and catching up. She is a wonderful soul and will be missed by many. Thanks Diana for everything

Jamie Hanson

Coworker

December 23, 2020

I’m sorry I just now (12-21-20) discovered Diana’s passing. I have great memories of our high school years! She was a special person and I can hear her laughter, see the sparkle in her eyes, but the way she left school everyday is like watching a video playback, I can see her so clearly, peeling out of our gravel parking lot, dust flying in a circle as she swung her old jet black car around, her shiny black hair flying.....and off she went! See you later Diana

Carla Guyton

Friend

December 22, 2020

Our precious Diana, you were so loved and I am so proud to have been called Aunt Gail. We loved being with you when you came back for visits with the family.
You will be missed more than words can say.
Rest in peace sweet one.

Gail Storment

Family

October 5, 2020

Thank you Diana for your guidance, understanding, and radiant soul. You made my challenging "new grad" nursing beginning that much easier (& you always brought candy, too!).
I will miss Diana's smile, joyful personality, her laugh. My sincere condolences to Diana's family & loved ones - she is nothing short of a beautiful blessing.

Lexi

Coworker

October 1, 2020

Thank you Diana for your guidance, understanding, and radiant soul. You made my challenging "new grad" nursing beginning that much easier (& you always brought candy, too!).
I will miss Diana's smile, joyful personality, her laugh. My sincere condolences to Diana's family & loved ones - she is nothing short of a beautiful blessing.

Lexi T.

Coworker

October 1, 2020

Thank you Diana for your friendship, support and kind words of wisdom you bestowed upon me over the years. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Susan

Coworker

September 29, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Thank you for all of support and love for nursing. You are loved and will greatly be missed.

Coworker

September 29, 2020

Diana thank you for always being the one to call whenever I needed information on policies, educational requirements, or just plain advice. You always had all the answers. I know our lord has taken you in his loving arms and has given you his everlasting peace. I will miss you.

Connie

Coworker

September 28, 2020

Our thought and prayers go out to your family.

21CS/SCO

Coworker

September 27, 2020

I first met Diana when she worked as a post-op nurse and also had the opportunity to train under her many times, including when I was a new graduate nurse in 2004. Diana always remembered me and greeted me when we met in the hallways at Penrose, and I’m sure she did that with everyone. She was an intelligent woman, a great teacher, and always shared that great smile. My prayers go out to her family and friends; she will surely be missed but ever present.

Melissa Temmert

Coworker

September 27, 2020

Diana, I will never have another friend like you. You have been in my life longer than you haven’t. I cherish our memories from our first base together, Biloxi, having our first children Together, giving me courage to complete nursing school, and visits in some of the most wonderful places on earth. I’m a better person because of you. I never conquered the perfect penmanship that you had, but I won’t give up. Thank you for letting me be in your life, loving me & for being my friend. What a treasure heaven has. Till we see each other again my friend, rest easy & enjoy the paradise you are in. Love you so much.

Nancy Steele

Friend

September 27, 2020

Diana was not only my coworker but a dear friend. When Diana’s best friend Kim was in hospice I got to witness Diana gently washing Her face and speaking lovingly to her. Kim’s whole body just relaxed at that moment and she looked so peaceful. That is what a nurse is. That was Diana.

Suzanne Kowalchuk

Friend

September 26, 2020

Diana, my friend. I am blessed for knowing you. I will miss you always until we meet again. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Leigh Anne

Coworker

September 25, 2020

What a wonderful person to know. Such a caring and and encouraging person to so many. You will be missed.

Nora

Friend

September 22, 2020

Diana, you were the and still the most beautiful person that God gave to us on this earth. I will never forget your support for me and my family . you were true and dear friend and like I always you were sister from another mother I will miss you my dear friend . Rest In peace ,you are in God hands now Love you always.

Audrey

Friend

September 22, 2020

Diana was the sister-in-law that one could only hope for. She will be truly missed by many. Blessings on her extended family and friends.

Carol Collins

Sister

September 22, 2020

I’m very blessed to have had Diana in my life for 25 years. I’ll miss her tremendously.

Toni Brown

Friend

September 22, 2020

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