Diana Sharyn Messamer a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. After a long battle with Alzihemers, passed peacefully in the early morning on October 3rd, 2023 at the age of 79.
She was born to Alice and Vernon Erdmann on January 13th, 1945 in Culver City, CA. Diana was the oldest of 5 siblings, Roy, Valerie, Jerry, and Renee, all of whom she adored greatly. Diana met her childhood best friend, Diana Cunningham, in grammar school. Diana and Diana spent much of their childhoods together and Diana Cunningham continued to hold a special place in her heart throughout her life. Diana was a voracious reader as a child, which continued throughout her adult life. She spent most of her childhood in Redondo Beach where she attended the Redondo Beach Church of the Brethren. Through Redondo Beach Church of the Brethren, Diana became interested in furthering her education at LaVerne College and worked as a carhop at A&W to earn money for college.
In the fall of 1962, while attending LaVerne College, Diana met Charles “Chuck” Messamer who became her husband. Diana married Chuck in the summer of 1964 and they moved to Ceres, CA. Diana completed her degree at Stanislaus State College (known fondly as “Turkey Tech” by alumni) with a major in English and minor in Mathematics, as well as a teaching credential, in 1966.
After completing her credential, Diana went on to teach kindergarten in Ceres for two years before moving to San Jose, CA. In San Jose, she began working in the Evergreen School District, where she remained until her retirement. She taught kindergarten for many years before finally graduating to 1st grade, only to decide kindergarten was ultimately where her heart lay. In 1989, Diana completed a Masters Degree in Arts in Education. Diana was very passionate about her students and cared deeply for their futures and wellbeing, with past students reaching out to her frequently throughout the years. She continued that passion and advocacy for her students and coworkers by becoming the CTA president for her chapter for multiple years.
Since joining the Redondo Church of the Brethren as a child, Diana continued to be an active member of her church community. After moving to San Jose, she attended the Almaden Hills United Methodist Church as a member of the choir and regularly volunteered at church events. After retirement, Diana and Chuck moved to Manteca, CA to be closer to family and their Modesto friends. Diana went on many adventures with her husband Chuck throughout the years, visiting multiple U.S. States and National Parks, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, China, and Fiji. After moving to Manteca, she was an active member of the Modesto Church of the Brethren, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Camp Peaceful Pines Board of Directors.
Diana Messamer is survived by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Alan Messamer, two sons: Don Alan Messamer (Don’s spouse: Elizabeth McInnes) and Jon Michael Messamer, and four granddaughters: Katelyn Genevieve Messamer, Isabelle Nicole Messamer, Fiona Anne McInnes Messamer, and Gweneth Diana McInnes Messamer, and her siblings Valerie, Jerry, and Renee. Despite her rigorous work hours and multiple community commitments, Diana always managed to prioritize her family and home. Diana was a loving wife to her husband Chuck and was a very supportive, comforting, available, and compassionate mother to her sons and grandmother to her grandchildren, often reading them stories. Diana was very active in her children’s and grandchildren’s moral development and education. In her later life, after retirement, her grandchildren have fond memories of her hosting sleepovers, participating in their school field trips, and doing many fun activities with grandma. Her sons are very grateful for the way she took the time to host and care for her grandchildren regularly throughout her life. She was also very proud of all of the members of her family and will be missed dearly.
A celebration of Diana’s life will be held on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Modesto Church of the Brethren, located at 2301 Woodland Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358. All are welcome to attend.
Leave a Condolence