Diane Dymski

Diane M. “Diana” Dymski, 74, of Erie, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. 

She was born in Erie, PA on July 5, 1951, oldest daughter of the late Donald A. and Therese (Olszewski) Dymski.

Diane’s early years were spent in Eggertsville, NY where she attended St. Leo the Great School, was an active Girl Scout and played the organ for school and church performances.  She always looked back on those days fondly.

After her family moved to the Philadelphia area, Diane graduated from Villa Maria Academy in Malvern, PA in 1969 and from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1973 where she majored in Classic Archaeology.  After her college years, she lived in Upper Darby, PA while working for the Quaker Friends Conference and for Temple University.    

For the last 30 years, Diane resided in Erie. She volunteered for the Hooked on Books program for many years, reading with elementary students weekly.  Diane was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist book club in Erie and treasured her time with that group.

Diane was a devoted sister to her late brother Theodore “Ted” Dymski, who also lived in Erie. They frequently attended sessions at Stairways, enjoyed productions at the Erie Playhouse and Mercyhurst University. Diane often coordinated their birding trips to the Peninsula and beyond.

Diane was brilliant in areas of literature, poetry, art and music.  She was an accomplished pianist and had incredible recall of the books and poetry she studied. She often took refuge in the Children’s Room at the Erie County Public Library. Diane was renowned for her distinctive hand-writing; her always-timely birthday cards included stamps and stickers specific to the recipient.

For the last few years, Diane resided at Pleasant Ridge Manor in Girard, PA where she received excellent care from the staff.

Diane is survived by her siblings Gary Dymski (Silvana De Paula) of Leeds, UK, Mary Lou Dymski (David Boyce) of Cambridge, MA, nieces and nephews Jamaal Sawyer-Dymski, Naima Sawyer-Dymski, Tanya Spear and DeAndre Dymski, great-nephews Leon and Loyal, great niece Leerah, one amazing aunt and many cousins.

Service information will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503. Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.

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