Diana Margaret Klein was born in Seattle on January 9, 1935. She was the daughter of P Reginald Banks and L Margaret (Nichols) Banks. She passed peacefully from cancer at the home of her daughter Linda in Freeland, Washington on February 22, 2013. Diana and her sister Karen were raised in Ballard and Bothell. The home in Bothell had some acreage and was known affectionally to the family as “The farm”. The farm was a special place for several decades. While living there her parents helped found Church of the Redeemer, Kenmore. Diana remained an
Episcopalian for the rest of her life and sang in the choir for many years.
Her parents were her first Girl Scout leaders, and she was her daughters as well. Diana was a counselor at Camp Robinswold and maintained lifelong friendships from that time. The camp held a special place in her heart, and she remained a lifelong Girl Scout, participating in Round Up’s and Women’s Own.
She graduated from the University of Washington and was a member of Delta Zeta. Diana and her former husband Edgar Klein had three children and raised them in Alderwood Manor, Mercer Island and American Samoa. The move to American Samoa followed an illuminating family trip to Guatemala and Mexico. As a family they skied, went hiking, enjoyed tent camping, and singing around the campfire.
Diana entered the travel industry and had opportunities to travel to the North Pole, Tunisia, Galapagos Islands among others. In later years she enjoyed road trips with friends and family. She went river rafting, and in her 80’s rode in a hot air balloon and did an iFly experience.
Diana was community minded and service oriented. She participated in Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, Hearts and Hammers, and made three diocesan sponsored trips for post Katrina rebuilding in New Orleans. Diana spent 20 years traveling to Holden Village originally attending with family and then on her own as a volunteer for work week, kitchen duty or gardening.
Diana followed her daughter Linda to Whidbey Island in 2003. She enjoyed living on Whidbey Island and participating in the community. She enjoyed gardening her entire life, working for herself and others. She belonged to several clubs and tended to the grounds of her church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister. She is survived by her children Kathy, Linda, and Brian (Ruth), grandchildren Brianna and Courtney Klein, Cari Domas (Chad) and their son Logan, nephew Jeff Carter (Jolene) and their daughter Alizabeth Walsh (Austin).
The family appreciates the care from Whidbey Hospice and would like to thank the Rev. Jenny Cleveland and members of St. Augustine’s for their love and support.
A Memorial service will be held at St. Augustine's in the Woods, Freeland, WA, Whidbey Island, March 18 at 2pm. Reception following at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Augustine's for the garden fund.