Diane Frances O'Leary

Nov 17, 1947 -

Sep 29, 2020

Diane Frances O'Leary was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 17, 1947, to Richard Francis O'Leary and Georgene Ruth O'Leary (Watts). Diane passed away on Sept. 29, 2020, surrounded by her loving children and sister.

Raised in Denver, Colo., and Des Moines, Diane was adventurous, creative and full of life. While fiercely independent, she was also a generous and compassionate daughter, sister, wife and mother. As a young coed at the University of Iowa, Diane met and married her college sweetheart. The two went on to have two boys, Joe and Jake VerSteeg. Diane completed her B.A. in English while at the University of Iowa. Her quest for adventure first brought her to Alaska in 1968. She and her husband explored Alaska together while camping in many remote areas. This experience established Diane's love for Alaska and her permanent return to Alaska in 1971 with her two boys.

Diane was employed by the Anchorage Police Department where she was a 911 dispatcher. While residing in Palmer, Alaska, Diane welcomed her daughter and third child, Jessica Earl, to the family in 1978. In 1982, Diane moved her family to Seward, Alaska. While living in Seward Diane became involved in the Seward Woman's Club. While active in the Woman's Club she sparked the interest of professional women by organizing a large, well-attended forum of notable women in Alaska politics. She then turned her attention to her passion for Alaska art work and along with her sister Irene Ransom she opened the popular Seward Fine Art Gallery featuring many of Alaska's favorite and best known artists. In 1985, they commissioned an original print by Jon Van Zyle that highlighted the Seward town center and the original start of the Iditarod. In 1989, her vibrant spirit took her back to Anchorage where she became a successful business owner until her retirement in 2009.

Diane loved socializing, especially enjoying dining out with those close to her. She had many interests specifically, playing piano, fine art, astrology, literature and politics. Holidays were always memorable events with large gatherings of family and friends. She adored her children and grandchildren. With her parents and sister also living in Alaska, she remained closely connected to her immediate family. She devoted much of her time and energy to raising her three children and being a part of her grandchildren's lives. Diane leaves a legacy of love and devotion to her family.

Diane leaves behind her three children, Joseph Richard VerSteeg (Katy), Jacob G. VerSteeg and Jessica O'Leary Dawson (Steven); grandchildren, Roman Dawson, Dawson Morris and Stella VerSteeg; stepgrandchildren, Jeffery Dawson and Katelyn Dawson; sister, Irene Ransom (Scott); niece, Emily Golick (John); and nephew, Jack Ransom (Jennifer); along with many other nieces and nephews.