Diane Marie Emery McElwain passed unexpectedly on December 6, 2019. Born in Los Angles on May 29, 1934 to Lawrence and Henrietta Terra, she was a wonderful older sister to Claudia Emery (Bill) King (SPHS '55) and Durant (Linda) Emery. At age eight, the family moved to San Marino where she developed lifelong friendships. She grew up enjoying Girl Scouts, tennis, horseback riding, ice skating, the Rose Parade, and periodic trips to the beach with family and friends.

She loved school and learning, graduating from South Pasadena High School in 1952, earning an AA from Pasadena City College in 1954, and a BA in elementary education in 1956 from California State University, Los Angeles. She met the love of her life, Frank McElwain, at PCC during their sophomore year. Diane finished her teaching degree and certificate and began her career. Upon Frank's return from serving two years in the Army in Korea, they married in December 1956 at Calvary Presbyterian Church in South Pasadena. They were together for nearly 61 years before Frank's death in 2017. They moved frequently with Frank's career in the US Forest Service, living in Northern California, Sparks, Nevada, Moscow and Malta, Idaho, Ogden and Price, Utah, and for the last 45 years in Salt Lake City. Diane's career as elementary teacher, teacher aide, media coordinator, and volunteer blossomed in every community which she lived. Her philosophy of moving was to plant roots as if you'd be there forever and take every opportunity to make new friends and experience new adventures. She lived every day by this philosophy. She also instilled this attitude in her daughters, Kristin and Karin. She was often their Girl Scout troop leader, leading many camping adventures and teaching the girls numerous skills they would need throughout their lives. Through her love of teaching, Diane inspired generations of students and girl scouts, as well as her daughters and beloved grandson to learn, grown, and achieve their goals.

Diane's greatest joy was spending time with her grandson during his annual summer visits, taking him to the library, museums, sports camps, swimming lessons, and camping trips to national and state parks throughout the west. She served many years as Mt View Girl Scout Neighborhood Chair, was deeply involved with Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, and was an active member of American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Diane and Frank enjoyed RV camping with a great group of friends, traveling around the country and internationally to visit family and friends, make new friends, and see the world. She was devoted to caring for and spending time with Frank even after his deteriorating health from Parkinson's required that he move to a care center. Diane was an avid sports fan and supporter of University of Utah football, basketball, and gymnastics. She also loved the Pioneer Theatre Company and Utah Shakespeare Festival. 

Diane is survived by her daughters Kristin McElwain, Salt Lake City, and Karin McElwain-West, St Louis, Missouri and one grandson; and siblings, Claudia and Durant. She was predeceased by her husband Frank, and parents Henrietta and Lawrence Emery.

The Salt Lake Tribune, December 27, 2019