Diane grew up in Menlo Park, California. At an early age, she showed signs of leadership and a strong-willed libertarian approach to life. She excelled academically and was drawn to the arts. She became an advanced practitioner of yoga. She danced professionally with dance companies in San Francisco before moving to New York, where she danced with The Dance Theater of Harlem and the Joffrey Ballet, among others. Following her heart, she moved to France and joined companies there. While in Europe, Diane studied Shakespearian drama in London and honed her acting skills.
With her love for Shakespeare and his art, she co-founded the Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company in the town of Lander, Wyoming. Every summer, she opened the doors to her students and actors of all ages and shared Shakespeare's insights into human nature in all its forms. She saw the spark within them and helped ignite it with her passion, love, and enthusiasm. She inspired and motivated her students to push beyond their confort zones while offering unwavering support and understanding to each of them. Diane's resilience was uparalleled, embodying the motto "Adapt and overcome" with unwavering determination. Whether it was the weather, broken set pieces, missing costumes, or upset children, she found a way.
Her faith was her strength and comfort, and her spirit was fearless. "With God all things are possible…" (Matthew 19:26). Ultimately, Diane did it with love. Her strength was her love–her love of the world, her community, and her beloved horse, Quill. However, as many can say, the most important and meaningful part of her life was having the opportunity to be a mother to Petar and Marien. They, indeed, were her main love. During a production she was working on at the beginning of winter, she drove her RAV4 across the states in snow and blizzards to bring her children back to their new home.
Diane brought life; she was the light that lit every room and place she went to with her passion for music, choreography, drama, photography, equestrianism, and literature. Through her and her example of strength and resilience, and most importantly, her love, we can honor her by upholding her virtues. In celebrating the life of Diane Springford, we will gather for a Funeral Mass at Holy Rosary Church on October 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by a joyous celebration at the community center.