Obituary of Diane McDaniel

Edith “Diane” McDaniel passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2023, at the age of 81. Diane lived her life as a beacon of quiet strength, tenderness, resilience, joy, and love.

Born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Diane was an only child to Martha and Howard Patterson. Although she did not have brothers and sisters, Diane had plenty of cousins and friends that meant the world to her and whom she remained close to throughout her life.

Diane moved to the “states” in the 80’s with her first husband, Jim Woodcock and her two children, Chris Woodcock and Leigh-Ann Woodcock Campbell. She took care of her home, her children, and managed to find time to develop a mean drop shot on the tennis court. She adored being a mom and loved both of her children fiercely and always supported them in every way possible. When they both were on their own, they always knew that Mom was only a phone call away and that no matter what was going on, she would always make things better just by talking to them.

After her divorce, tennis led her to the love of her life, Dennis McDaniel. Their 30+ year marriage brought her love, laughter, and stability. She loved being a part of Dennis’s family which included a new sister, Virginia. She also gained three stepchildren, Cindi Ray, Daniel McDaniel, and Kathy McDaniel-Calder whom she loved as her own. She and Dennis traveled the world together and went on MANY adventures! From riding bikes across Iowa and Australia to white water rafting, Diane and Dennis knew how to have a good time together!

Diane enjoyed her life in St. Petersburg, Florida as well. She spent most days at the St. Pete Tennis Center where she played for at least 30 years. She supported the St. Pete Tennis Center Foundation as well as Courier’s Kids Program, a program that provides after-school support and tennis lessons for local underprivileged school kids. She helped to organize many of the morning games with locals and snowbirds. Diane played tennis with many wonderful partners over the years, and really enjoyed playing with her best friend/little big sister, Ko.

Gramma, Granny Diane, or Nana D as she eventually came to be known, loved ALL of her grandkids whole-heartedly! She was well known for the sugar cookies that she first made during the holidays. They were so loved that she was always gently asked to bring her delicious cookies to every family gathering. That tradition continues with family members doing their best to replicate her recipe while Diane has been in a memory care facility. She loved being a grandma and great grandma! There were many happy times, from trips to the children’s museum, the beach and of course Disney World! Making every one of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids feel loved and supported was one of her proudest accomplishments!

Beloved wife of Dennis McDaniel for 33 years. Loving mother of Chris (Melissa) Woodcock and Leigh-Ann (Colin) Campbell and stepmother of Cindi (Ron) McDaniel Ray, Daniel (Linh Vu) McDaniel, Kathy (Vic Calder) McDaniel-Calder. Cherished grandmother of Micah and Isla Campbell and step grandmother of Kristina (Wyatt) Wikle, Garrett (Ana) McDaniel, Michael (Rishan) Ortega, Logan (Lauren Mathews) McDaniel, Samantha Labrador, Chloe (Rob Townsend) McDaniel, Andre Ortega, Eric McDaniel. Loving great-grandmother of seven. She was preceded in death by her parents. The Family is grateful to everyone at Azalea Gardens and Visiting Angels in Tallahassee who looked after her and filled her days with kindness and gentleness over the past year.

Diane loved celebrating the holidays with her family! It seems only fitting that we celebrate the life of Diane McDaniel in St. Pete on Sunday, November 19, 2023, the weekend prior to the Thanksgiving Holidays.Gathering to begin at noon, service at 12:30, with a light lunch served after.  Feel free to join us at any time during the gathering.  If you are interested in attending, please email her daughter at lacampbell76@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

the Courier’s Kids Program, a tennis program for underprivileged kids that Diane supported at the St. Pete Tennis Center.To donate, clicl here