Diana Carol Lemke (Sedgemore)

Diana Carol Lemke, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at home in Puyallup, WA, just as she had hoped — surrounded by family and love.

Born in Portland, Oregon, on April 19, 1938, to Harry and Virginia Sedgemore, Diana lived a life filled with movement and change as a child. It wasn’t until high school, after relocating to Auburn, Washington, that she found her roots — and met the love of her life, Neil Lemke. They married on April 26, 1957, and built a full, vibrant life raising four children — Kevin, Jim, Debra, and Dave — and welcoming others into the fold, including her daughter-in-law Camille, son-in-law Frank, and bonus daughter Stacy, who remained especially close throughout the years. She split her time between Auburn and Ocean Shores, but never lost her city-girl heart.

Diana had a remarkable way of making everyone feel at home — in part because her homes were always beautifully decorated, seasonally themed (including the obscure holidays), and prepared to host a gathering at any moment. Whether it was a family meal, a holiday party, or a beach weekend, she made celebrations feel special. And yes, her makeup and jewelry was always on before company arrived.

She was an artist at heart. An incredibly talented painter, creative decorator, and passionate gardener — she could fuss over a single flower or plant for hours. Her love for the beach was unmatched and deeply contagious, passed down to her children and grandchildren alike. Her garden, her Ocean Shores home with views of Mount Rainier, her mug collection, and her ever-present pets (her two beloved cats, Misty & Maggie, lived into their 20s!) were reflections of the joy she found in life’s little things.

Diana had a gift for storytelling (even if the details shifted each time), and a deep love for her family that kept her closely connected. She had an attentiveness rooted in love — always wanting to know how each person was doing, and genuinely fascinated by the details of their lives. She never let anyone leave without a kiss on the cheek — even in her final days.

Despite facing the unimaginable — the loss of her husband Neil in 2016, and of three of her children: Jim (2013), Debra (2018), and Dave (2018) — she carried on with strength, humor, and endless love for those still around her. From an only child, she became the heart of a big, beautiful family: four children, ten grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren, with more sure to come. To her family, she was the definition of strength, creativity, and warmth — always quick with a story, a smile, and a space that felt like home. As her yearbook once read, she was truly “something extra special.”

A graveside memorial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, WA, on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by an open house at the home of Stacy Gilliardi. All are welcome to come celebrate the life of a truly special lady