Diane Sawyer

Sawyer, Monica Diane “Diane”, 87, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tallman, NY and Greenport, NY, passed away July 31, 2026. Diane was born in Greenport, NY to John and Monica Woodward on July 18, 1939. She graduated from Greenport High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany, a master’s degree from Seton Hall University, and a doctoral degree from Fordham University. She taught French, Latin, and English for Speakers of Other Languages for over two decades in the Ramapo Central School District in New York and then found joy in becoming a published author of mystery novels and numerous articles on a wide range of topics.

 Diane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of nearly 60 years, John Robert “Buzz” Sawyer, and her grandson Philip Buenaventura. Diane is survived by her children, Kirk Sawyer (Linda) and Barrie Buenaventura (Lou); her grandchildren, Colin Sawyer, Cael Sawyer, Sonia Buenaventura, and Paul Buenaventura (Tisha); her great-granddaughters, Mia Buenaventura and Lily Buenaventura; her brother, James Woodward (Judith), her sister-in-law, Mary Kay Sawyer, and loving cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Diane was a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, accomplished educator, competitive tennis player, exercise enthusiast, and dedicated docent at local museums. Diane enjoyed more than thirty years of active retirement during which she supported local organizations with her time and talents, delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, sailed on more than 50 cruises with Buzz, traveled the globe, and searched for mysteries to inspire her next novel. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Dali Museum or the charity of your choice.