Obituary of Diana Lynn Herder

Diana Lynn Herder, a cherished resident of Narrowsburg, peacefully entered rest on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Kindred Hospital in Dover, New Jersey. She graced this world for 66 remarkable years.

Daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret Paterson Herder, Diana was born on January 27, 1958, in New Jersey. Before her retirement, she dedicated herself as a teaching assistant.

Diana’s love radiated far and wide. She enjoyed fine dining at fancy restaurants and delighted her sons with treats from the Alps Sweet Shop. Her culinary talents extended to cooking and baking, leaving an indelible mark on family gatherings. In her youth, she reveled in horseback riding and track and field. As the family historian and researcher, she wove stories and memories into a rich tapestry.

An artist at heart, Diana expressed herself through pottery, painting, drawing, and various crafts. But her most beloved canvas was the beach, where she wandered along the shoreline, collecting shells. Beyond the waves, she found great joy in the pages of The Black Stallion book series.

Her life’s journey took her from Wappingers Falls, New York, to the serene landscapes of Vermont, and onward to Jacksonville, North Carolina. Finally, she settled in the quiet hamlet of Narrowsburg, New York.

Diana’s compassion knew no bounds. She volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, leaving a lasting impression on young hearts. Yet, it was her unwavering commitment to animals in need that truly defined her. She rescued and rehomed countless souls, each wagging tail and gentle purr a testament to her boundless love.

In this tribute, we celebrate a life well-lived, a mosaic woven from family bonds, the beauty of nature, and acts of kindness. May Diana's legacy ripple through time, inspiring and uplifting those who knew her, like shells carried by the tides.

Survivors include her beloved sons, Keegan Bennett and Shaun Bennett of Essex Junction, Vermont. Her siblings, Ann Marie Herder Fauntleroy, Juliana Louise Anderson, Theresa Dean, John Thomas Herder, and Robert Jude Herder, also share in this cherished legacy, alongside numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 at St. Mary’s Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dutchess County ASPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538.