Remembering the Life and Great Work of Former Board President Diney Walrath Walker

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Created on Monday, 26 September 2011 20:50

The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center shares in celebrating the life and great work of Diney Walrath Walker, former Board President of The Children's Home of Pittsburgh. Diney served on the board from 1962 through 1992. Diney was a long time active and dedicated Board member and she will be greatly missed.  

WALKER DIANE (SMITH) "DINEY"
Age 89, on Friday, September 23, 2011. She was born on July 28, 1922 to Marion Smith and Theodore Fell Smith. Diane was preceded in death by her husband A.E. Walker "Joe" and Martin H. Walrath, III MD whom she was married to for 32 years. Beloved mother of Molly Walrath, Lisa (Rob) Kennedy, Martin (Peggy) Walrath, James (Deb) Walrath and Frederica (Niko) Corontzes; Mema of Erin Kennedy, Hugh Arnold, Adrian Walrath, Sarah Kennedy, Nick Walrath, Diana Arnold, Liza Walrath, Mac Walrath, Kate Walrath, Christopher Corontzes, Elizabeth Corontzes, all of whom were loved and given endearing nicknames; sister of Sally Smith McFeely, James Davidson and Ted Smith; she also loved her many pets: Blaze, Clixby, Winchester, Bosley, TC and Charlie. Diane was a former model for Joseph A. Horne, a volunteer during WWII, active in her younger years with the Junior League of Pittsburgh, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Children's Home of Pittsburgh, former Board Member of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, member of Kindergarden Garden Club and especially enjoyed her years with the Christmas Mart benefiting Planned Parenthood. Diane was a former member of Fox Chapel Golf Club and the Rolling Rock Club. She attended the Ellis School and The Masters School (Dobbs). Diane loved travel, reading and playing golf and bridge with her many friends. She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who was thrilled to be at Forbes Field for the winning game of the 1960 World Series. Diane was the number one fan of Roberto Clemente who was known in our home as "The Great One." She fell in love with Charleston, SC where she vacationed for 17 years including one year of residence in Mt. Pleasant. There is so much to say about this dynamic, fun loving woman, but the most important gift she will leave behind is the gift of laughter that she bestowed to her children and grandchildren and all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Burial will be private. A celebration of her life is planned for her family and friends at a time to be announced. Contributions can be made to The Children's Home of Pittsburgh, 5324 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Arrangements by the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, Lawrenceville.

Current Honorary Board Member, William M. Wycoff, who served as co-president of The Children's Home of Pittsburgh's Board of Directors with Diney comments, "My strongest remembrance of Diney is of how much she loved The Children's Home and how much it meant to her life. For those of you who did not know her, you missed knowing one of the genuinely nicest and most accomplished Board members of The Children's Home."