Diane Sebastian

Diane Sebastian of Farmington passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at the age of 76. She was born Margaret Diane Pierce on December 1, 1937, at Desloge, daughter of the late Vernon Frederick and Cleta Lavetta (Ketcherside) Pierce. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Jack Sebastian, in 2011. Diane will always be remembered as someone who loved others. She was most proud of her long marriage to Jack and of the family that marriage provided. They had four children, Laura, Scott, Matt, and Lynne who made the most beautiful "stair steps" in family photos. Diane's first priority was always to provide a warm home and to be a good mother. Diane's home has always been one of love and laughter. She was quick to "get tickled" with herself. She often played the piano or guitar, giving her children a life-long love of music. For several years she also performed with the community orchestra as a timpanist. She served as a leader in both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts as her children grew. Her nurturing spirit guided her all her life. Diane was clearly proud of each of the unique children with whom she was blessed. As the children grew to adulthood, Diane welcomed their spouses to the family as if they were her own. She made the "new" children feel at home with her easy conversations and welcoming personality. In time eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren came into the family. It is hard to describe how much they meant to her. If you ever saw her with a new grandbaby, though, you would definitely know. You could hear her cooing and her gentle laugh. We remember the way she glowed when she thought about them. Can you hear her saying "I'm just crazy about that baby." Diane's fondness for people spanned much more than just her family. She was a hostess for many neighborhood get-togethers. She loved to go boating with Jack and the neighborhood gang, as well. Sometimes Diane would get family and friends together for board games. She was an ace at Trivial Pursuit! Her mind was an incredible source of information on celebrities, actors and Jeopardy knowledge. She was an inveterate cross word puzzler. It is no surprise that she was Valedictorian of her high school class. In some of her recent writings, Diane said she wished to be known as a person of forgiveness and grace. We will all remember her that way and as so much more. She was a woman of love and compassion, relationships and laughter, kindness and gentleness. We will miss you for now but see you soon. Survivors include her children, Laura (Chris) Neale, Scott (Robin) Sebastian, Matt (Cindy) Sebastian and Lynne Sebastian; grandchildren, Anna Azevedo, Issac Neale, Alicia Sebastian, Alec Sebastian, Austin Dement, Mike Burch, Jake Burch, Max Burch and Stephanie Dehner; great-grandchildren, Caelan Dehner, Lilly Azevedo and baby Neale on the way; a sister, Barbara Shannon; sister-in-law, Joan Turnbeau; brother-in-law, Jerry Sebastian and wife, Susan; numerous nieces, nephews and many good friends. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5. Visitation will resume on Wednesday beginning at 7 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Rev. Tom Ray officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. View the Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Hillview Memorial Gardens

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 , Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions