Diane Lila Ahlin

Diane Lila Ahlin, 74, of Leland, NC, passed away peacefully with family and friends at her side on Sunday, July 14, 2024, following a period of declining health due to Alzheimer’s.

Diane was a beautiful person who lived a full life and was loved deeply.  

Born in the Bronx, New York, on January 19, 1950, Diane was one of three children of the late Ralph Ferdinand and Margaret Elizabeth Service Ahlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Francis Ahlin. Diane is survived by her sister, Judith Ann Collishaw, and her family – brother-in-law William, nephew Keith, niece Denise, and sisters-in-law Barbara and Catherine.

After graduating from Evander Childs Highschool in 1967 (Bronx, NY), Diane embarked on a successful thirty-year career with AT&T. Starting in the mail room alongside her best childhood friend, Marion Klenk, Diane advanced through several roles from Account Executive to Telemarketing Staff Manager and Instructor and retired early as an Executive Assistant in 1998. Throughout her career, she relocated several times between New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, making many dear friends along the way. During much of this time her mom, Marge, was by her side – they lived together and cared for one another until Marge’s death.

Diane was raised with a strong Lutheran faith. She had a beautiful singing voice that was nurtured in the church choir. She was an avid reader and loved snuggling up with a good book. Diane was known for her competitive spirit, excelling in golf, cards, scrabble, and crosswords – always staying several steps ahead and keeping everyone on their toes. She was also an expert wrapper of presents and created bows to perfection.

Diane was a true animal lover and a devoted mom to cats, dogs, and horses throughout her life. She was especially passionate about horses. In retirement, she found Wrighthall Stables in Troy, NY, and realized her dream of owning a horse and becoming an accomplished equestrian. Diane and her beloved horse, Jon (“Living on A Prayer”), had a beautiful bond and won several ribbons in Saddlebred competitions.

In 2005, Diane took a leap of faith and moved to North Carolina to enjoy the sun, pool, and beaches, escaping the northern winters. She was blessed to develop true and enduring friendships with Regina Cicchetti, Susan Zimmer, and Lois and Bob LaCour in Leland, NC.

We are forever grateful to Diane’s extended family – her dear friends and caretakers. Our deepest thanks to Interim Healthcare, Cambridge Village of Wilmington, Brunswick Cove Living Center, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, and especially to her longtime and loving aides Tawanda McGee, Cathleen Gore, and Catherine Robinson.

Diane’s spirit and spark lit up the room. Her deep blue eyes, radiant smile, and infectious laugh were captivating. She had beauty, talent, intelligence, and a whole lot of sass. Diane was small in stature but mighty in presence. She was uber-organized, driven, and brilliant, with an incredible sense of humor. Diane loved a good hug. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who received and gave love abundantly. Diane will be missed, remembered, and held close in our hearts.

In keeping with her wishes, the family will hold a private celebration of her life.

The family respectfully asks that any donations be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, www.act.alz.org.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.