Diane Kay Vanaman
April 21, 1950 ~ August 26, 2015
Diane Kay Vanaman, 65, of Great Mills, MD passed away on August 26, 2015 in California, MD. Born on April 21, 1950 in Bridgeton, NJ, she was the daughter of Lillian Vanaman of Lexington Park, MD and the late Darius F. Vanaman. Diane is survived by her daughter Michelle Perez (Eric) of Great Mills, MD, 2 grandchildren Jasmine Perez,, and Rylan Perez, and brothers Darius W. Vanaman of Mechanicsville, MD, and Mark R. Vanaman.
Diane graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1968 and served in the United States Navy for 23 years retiring in 1992, while in the Navy she earned the; Navy Achievement Medal, Battle “E” Efficiency Award, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal (2), and Navy Good Conduct Medal. She had a great pride for the Armed Services and loved her Navy career.
Diane had a great love of animals, enjoyed spending time at the beach, gardening and taking care of her roses, and loved spending time with her family.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 5, 2015 from 12:00PM – 1:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Memorial Service will be follow in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA.
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I worked with Diane at VQ-4 88-92. I always remember that Diane had a smile that would light up a room and that her even disposition was welcomed in the Chief’s mess. RIP Chief. To Diane’s family, may you find comfort and peace in the weeks and month’s ahead through God’s love.
AZ1 Vanaman was a patriot, professional and an excellent Leading Petty Officer in the Operations Department when we served together in VQ-4. Her meticulous attention to detail and maternal instincts ensured that hundreds of Pilots, NFO’s and Aircrew accurately and properly documented their flight time every month as the TACAMO Community executed 100% airborne coverage, transitioned platforms and eventually stood down to 100% Alert Coverage.
To her family, she was a member of the generation the Won the Cold War and ushered in the next phase of Nuclear Deterrence.
It was my privilege to serve in the U.S. Navy with her. God Bless!
We have had the privilege of knowing Diane personally for the past 27-years, as a neighbor and friend. If you listened to her speak of the relationship, it was “family”. Her direct matter-of-factness and personal interest in anyone with whom she came in contact are rare and treasured endearments. The world will be a lesser place in which to live, without her. She will be sorely missed… Our condolences to her family, but with the following hopeful thought – she is at peace and with her treasured father, who she idolized. Every sunrise is more enjoyable knowing she’s watching it, too.
I served with Diane from 1989 – 1993. She was the consummate LPO in the Ops Department. Hundreds of Pilots, NFO’s and Aircrew benefited from her attention to detail verifying log books, flight time and OPTAR costs for a command which flew 24/7/365. She will be missed by her shipmates. Her family should take pride that she served with honor and distinction. Our condolences to the family, God Bless those you leave behind – Buffalo
Diane and I were never stationed together but I remember her pride in wearing that uniform and her service to her country. I knew her Dad (very, very special guy) and of course, Michelle (cute little kid, exceptional woman). Family to her wasn’t everything, it was the only thing.
Michelle and family, My heart goes out to you and may you have peace and love with Mom up above. My “commissary meeting place buddy” shall be missed. We former WAVES stick together. My love to all.