Diane Alice Freer

Diane Alice Freer was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1946. Her father, John Readey, a NYPD officer, patrolled New York City on horseback after serving in the United States Coast Guard during WWII. Her mother, Ann, was a nurse who raised six children, including John and Tom Readey, who preceded Diane in death, Jim Readey (Barbara), Tim Readey (Peggy), and Ann Maffie. Diane was also very close with her three aunts: Rita White, Sister Doris Mahrenholz, and Janet Deacon.

Diane went to school at Good Shepard in Brooklyn, and she attended Saint Martin of Tours after moving to Massapequa Park on Long Island. She went to high school at Queen of the Rosary Academy in Amityville, NY, while working part-time at Grumman Aerospace. Diane attended Misericordia University in Dallas, PA before transferring to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She was one of three women who received a BS degree in Business Administration from Marquette in 1968.

After college, Diane returned to New York City to work in the HR department for Chase Manhattan Bank. She loved the challenge and hustle of the Big Apple. In December 1969, Diane married Graham Richard Freer in New York City during one of the worst blizzards the city had ever seen. While Graham attended Marquette University Dental School, Diane supported them by teaching at Milwaukee Business College. In 1972, the couple moved to San Diego, where Graham served in the United States Navy while stationed at Coronado Naval Base.

Diane gave birth to two children after moving to San Diego, Graham Taylor in 1972 and Brad Christopher in 1977. Diane regularly traveled to and from New York and New Jersey to visit her family. She continued her career in teaching while raising her sons. Diane taught at Foothills Adult Education Center, and she received a master's degree in Reading and Literacy Education from San Diego State University in 1974. As a reading specialist, she taught foreign naval students how to read complex manuals. Diane finished her teaching career at Southwestern Community College where she instructed English As A Second Language students.

Diane loved her family very much and was so excited to see it grow. She welcomed the addition of Brad's wife, Colby Erickson and Colby’s family. Diane's life changed when she became "Grandma Honey" after the birth of Fletcher and Cosette Freer. She swelled with pride for her grandchildren, while attending their activities in Coronado.

Diane really enjoyed traveling, as well as playing golf and tennis with family and friends. She shared special memories at San Diego Country Club and with the Ladies’ Club of Coronado. Diane raised and trained several beloved pets, and she was known as a bit of a dog whisperer. She was a voracious reader and fan of the television show "Blue Bloods".

Diane, we wish we had one more day with you, but we treasure every day we spent together. We thank you for your love, strength, humor, guidance, generosity, and kindness.