WILMINGTON — Diana Taylor Michel entered Heaven on August 7th, 2024 and the world lost a beautiful soul. Her spirit will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
Born in Greeley, Colorado on March 24, 1939, she was the middle child of Helen and John Taylor. Her life was full and rich and she never found a person, thing or activity she didn’t want to experience or know.
She was a passionate educator, mom, and community activist. Her first teaching job was in a one-room school house in Wyoming where she taught the children of local ranchers; often having to saddle their horses for the ride home. After having her children, Diana returned to teaching and was named Elementary Teacher of the Year for New Hanover County in 1987. Her passion for early childhood education was unmatched and she was active in state and national organizations advocating for children.
She met the love of her life at the University of Wyoming and they married in December of 1959. She told anyone who would listen that she went the university to find a rancher and ended up falling for a scientist. Bob passed in 2012 and there is peace in knowing they are united once again. Perhaps the second love of her life was her grandson, Dalton, with whom she will also be reunited in heaven. We delight in knowing they are together.
At home, Diana was a devoted mom to her three children – Margie, Dori and Rob. She loved entertaining and was always up for any opportunity to travel or seek a new adventure. In her later years, she lived with Alzheimer’s disease and like most things in her life, took it on with a sense of humor. She was often heard telling folks that life was “dandy” and she had loved her life. Everyone knew she was up for just about anything – a true extrovert.
Her family is forever grateful for the love and grace Lower Cape Fear LifeCare provided during her last days on earth. In lieu of flowers, we’d humbly ask you to support their mission at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or online at lifecare.org. If a financial donation is not available, take a moment to tell a child in your life you love them – mom would be delighted that her passing helped a child feel special.
Diana loved a party and we plan to host one in her honor. Her family invites you raise a glass to a one-of-a-kind mom and friend on Sunday, August 18, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bluewater Waterfront Grill, 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
