We have created this blog to serve as a reminder of Diana's life and the legacy that she has left for family and friends.
Diana was born in Shanghai, China in 1943 as the daughter of an American attorney representing U.S. interests in China and a Russian immigrant. After her father's passing a couple of years after World War II ended in China, a very young Diana and her widow mother moved to California where her mother had family members living. After several years, her mother met and married a Brazilian doctor. As a teen, Diana traveled to and lived in Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, and El Salvador.
During the years of travel, Diana realized that she had a knack for languages. Diana attended Georgetown University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in languages and linguistics, she simultaneously earned her master’s degree equivalent in Spanish and Portuguese interpretation and translation.
Her language ability and the connections Diana made at Georgetown University set the stage for an exciting career in interpreting. Diana traveled the United States and the world, seeing almost every state in the country. She also worked for organizations such as Pan American Health Organization, the State Department, the White House, Vatican, United Nations, Pentagon, Federal Aviation Administration, Smithsonian, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the District Court in Prince George's County and countless large private and public companies. Diana interpreted for presidents, kings, judges, conferences, seminars, country negotiations and much more in her life long career. She loved the people she met and the subjects she learned at the same time she was able to make a comfortable life for herself and her family.
Diana married Dejan Jovanovic in 1972 and she often told family and friends that he was the love of her life. Dejan had escaped communist Yugoslavia as a young man and built a life from scratch in America. From there he charmed his way into Diana’s life, married her, and they had three children. Dejan died in 1985, which left Diana heartbroken.
Diana tirelessly raised her three children, one boy and two girls who are all adults now. As much as she enjoyed her work, her heart always lay with her family. Diana loved spending time with her three children and finding out all the details of their lives. As they grew up she delicately balanced her career while being intimately involved in all of her children's lives and activities. They often visited a vacation home that the family owned in Northern Neck, VA where Diana and the children enjoyed being on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoying a slower pace of life.
As her two oldest children grew, she enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren (two grandchildren per child). She also doted on her youngest child who was finishing University and living with Diana.
Diana had an extremely active social life and unbelievable network of friends. She had the ability to connect with people of all social backgrounds and cultures and enjoyed learning about people's lives. Diana had a way of making people's history, stories and lives seem unbelievably exciting.
After a 5-year battle with cancer where the doctor's from John's Hopkins gave her 2-months to live Diana died on Thursday, July 2, 2009, beloved mother of Nicholas D. Jovanovic, Tania J. Grant and Jelica J. Jovanovic. Also survived by four grandchildren, brother Nelson Aidar and a host of friends.
A Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11 at Colesville Presbyterian Church, 12800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904. At Diana's request, please do not wear black but wear white or light colored clothes to celebrate her life.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society (ACS) in honor of Diana Jovanovic by CLICKING HERE and selecting Donate now at the top of the page.
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"The Interpreter"
This blog is dedicated to remembering Diana Jovanovic 1943-2009. A loving mother, faithful friend and a very exciting person. Please read the first blog for details on the memorial service. Also, please feel free to comment on our blogs with your own stories and memories of Diana.
Diana Jovanovic
"The Interpreter"
I gave this letter to my mother-in-law several weeks ago. AJ
ReplyDeleteJune 12, 2009
Dear Diana,
I have thought many times over the last several years about sitting down to write you this letter. Each time I found it difficult to determine exactly what to say or how to say it. I also felt that there might be a better time in the future to share my thoughts with you. As a result, I pushed it off time and time again. I have come to realize that there is never a perfect moment though, and I do not want to look back and wished I had said more to you.
I know that there have been times over the last ten years where we have both felt frustrated with one another. I suppose it may be inevitable in a relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. I want you to know that I have never felt as if these small instances represented the way I viewed you as Nick’s mother or the person you are.
I am incredibly grateful to you for raising such a wonderful and caring man. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to raise three children, particularly a son, without the presence of their father. Nick is one of the most thoughtful and loving people I know. I could see this very early on in our relationship, based on the way he talked and cared about you. He is incredibly loyal to his family, and is willing to serve them in any way he can. This is the result of your dedication to raising a man with strong values, integrity and steadfastness. For this I am eternally grateful.
You have been an inspiration to myself and may others as we have watched you fight this life threatening illness. You are an incredibly resilient woman, who has faced every challenge you have encountered with great veracity. You have been a marvel to watch at work, interacting with friends and caring for your grandchildren, with such passion and zest for life.
Over the years, I have frequently talked to Mckinley about her Grandfather Dejan. I know he so desperately would have loved to meet them. Though I never knew him, I talk about what a loving and caring man he was, with a laugh that would brighten up a room. I recount the stories that you and Nick have shared with me time and time again, so that Mckinley (and in time Dejan) will know about their father’s father. Though we expect you to be with us for some time, I want you to know when the time comes when you are no longer here, you will not be forgotten in the minds of your children and grandchildren. I will describe you as the exciting, vivacious, and determined woman you are. My life has become better, as a result of your presence. I am so grateful to have become a part of your family.
I want you to know, that I will always care for your son and grandchildren with every ounce of my being. They will never be without the love and tenderness that they so greatly deserve. I hope that in some small way, this brings you peace of mind about the distant future.
Thank you for loving me over the years, even when it may have been hard.
Love, Alison
Dear Jovanovic Family,
ReplyDeleteSo saddened to hear the news of Mrs. Jovanovic's passing. Tania & I met at Westover Elementary. My Parents were not able to make most school functions because they had to work. Mrs. Jovanovic always looked after me, making sure that I was under her wing. I actually recall her dressing me for my first Halloween parade in the absence of my parents. I remember her as being a very proud Mother and very proper. As years passed, and I moved we would periodically run into her at the Safeway in Cloverly and even after all of the years, she would remember specific details of my life from the last time I saw her. Her memory was incredible. I feel confident that she was just as loving as a Grandmother as she was a Mother. I hope you all know how very proud you have always made her. I feel fortunate to have known her, and grateful for the love she gave to me.
May she rest in peace, and be that Angel watching overing all of you.
Love, Sharron (Dickson) Bremerman
Diana and I met in our book club several years ago. She was a very loyal member of our group. Diana took her turn hosting our group as recently as this past April when we had a lively discussion about Huck Finn at her house. Over the years I came to know Diana as a very giving person. She often spoke of her family and how much her children and grandchildren meant to her. She will be missed.
ReplyDeleteDear Jesse, Nick, Alison and Tania (and babies),
ReplyDeleteThere are so many wonderful, poignant, funny and/or wise things to share about your (our)Diana. It is in times like these that even interpreters and translators struggle for words. I will find mine eventually. For now, just let me say that I am SO VERY GLAD Alison wrote that beautiful letter. Diana loved all of you so much and was SO very proud of all of you and the wonderful people you became. I was blessed to be one of her many many friends and will forever treasure my memories of her. I will see you Saturday!!! Much love and many hugs.
Julie
I feel blessed to have known Mrs. Jovanovic for my whole life. As many people have said above - she is a remarkable woman who lives on in my heart, and I have a richer life for having known her and her wonderful family. She is an example to all of us around her, how to LIVE! I will cherish the memories and send my love to you all.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Mast Heffley
I never met Mrs. Jovanovic face to face but she had an impact on me. I was babysitting Mckinley and the phone rang so I picked it up and said hello thinking it was Alison or Nick checking in. Mrs. Jovanovic said "Baby! how are you?" I guess she thought I was Alison but I told her I was babysitting and she asked how her wonderful granddaugther was and then out of nowhere we had about a 15min conversation in Spanish and she just wanted to know more about me and gave me words of encouragment because my father had recently passed away and I was only 17 at the time he passed. I know she was fighting a serious illness at that time and it just dawned on me that I have to live a happy and an upbeat life like she was and could not let the death of my father hold me back. Those 15 min made me change my thinking about living life and how to handle death. I feel blessed to have had the privlage to talk to her for at least a little while.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Jovanovic's passing, but I'm glad she's no longer in pain or suffering. Having seen my own mother battle and ultimately die from cancer in 2001, I am unfortunately aware of how difficult and heart-breaking it is. I've never encountered stronger human beings than these two women. Having been good friends with Tania through our teen years, I luckily got to know Mrs. J pretty well. She always remembered and asked about my family and loved hearing about our crazy high school adventures.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayes are with Nic & Alison, Tania and Mike, Jessie, and their families. Your mom will be truly missed, but always fondly remembered.
~Laura (Haser) O'Keefe
Dear Nick
ReplyDeleteI just logged on to facebook after a long while to read this very sad news. I'm writing to send my condolences. Your mom taught me Portuguese - and obviously I know you from Springbrook (although I've lived in London now for over 10 yeras). Your mom was full of life and good spirit. I always remember her vivid stories about her upbringing - she was full of memories! She had one of the most interesting and cosmopolitan lives in Silver Spring - I'm sure of it. She was also a very skilled language teacher and I am lucky to have found her.
Nick, I can't make the remembrance day tomorrow as I'm in London, but I will be there in spirit.
Sincerely,
Matilda Lee (Springbrook 91')
My Testimony to My Dear Friend, Diana
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bridget Ciapetta Smith. My background is as an R.N., where I had a private practice in stress & pain reduction therapies. Diana first came to me as a client around 15 years ago. We struck up a friendship right away. We were kindred spirits in some ways, though I always did & still do sit at her feet. We had some things in common. We both loved people, were social, and loved to dance & laugh. We were both single parents. Our first social activity together was going out to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas dinner with her daughter Jesse & my Luke when Jesse was 10 & Luke was 6. The food wasn’t so good, but we had a great time together. Diana loved good food & shared company to go with it. She always had some interesting assortment of treats, artistically laid out, to offer guests. She usually had a bottle of wine to offer as well. Quite often, I would bring the food, but just around a month ago, I came thinking we’d order out, but she made me an entire tasty meal with salmon & salad & it was great. She really enjoyed my cooking & ate with relish whatever I brought over. She especially loved my spicy green beans, ginger carrots & salmon with brown sugar. My husband is an extraordinary cook, and his signature dish is Chicken Marsala. No one can make it better, and I mean no one! He cooked & brought the whole meal over, complete with his homemade mashed potatoes, salad & dessert and Diana & I, and my husband & son enjoyed this wonderful meal together on her deck on a sunny glorious day several years ago. In the last 4-5 years I would come over around once a week, bring a home cooked meal & we’d tackle a chore. She wanted to get the family home in order, so we would do things like organize a closet, go thru stuff & label items for the kids. I’d clean something, walk the dog, shop, trim shrubs, and put up the plastic to winterize the windows, or take it down for the summer. We’d rearrange stuff. It was always good to be in her company. She would often say she had been depressed or blue or feeling sorry for herself and after I’d been there for a little while, she said she felt human again, that I had cheered her up. It was easy to do. Diana had such a pleasant nature. She was easy to please. She didn’t allow herself to wallow in self pity. She felt it, no doubt & had plenty of reason to, but she really didn’t want to burden anyone with her problems. She just needed to be able to express herself - to vent, complain, grump & grouse a little, get a little attention, get some love and then move on. She often needed a little help getting out of her dark place. I am grateful to say that she trusted me and was comfortable letting me see her and tend to her in her uncomfortable & vulnerable states. She allowed me in to nurse her and comfort her and accompany her as friend in this, the final stage of her life, and for that I will forever be grateful. She honored me with her trust. We honored one another as friends and I carry the memory of her bright spirit with me. to be continued on next post..
Diana knew what friendship was. She was a model for it. She welcomed & befriended so many who crossed her path. She also loved to connect people to one another... those were her golden opportunities to tell stories. She’d tell a story about one to the other to establish a basis for friendship-connection-conversation. It so suited her personality & nature to have as her life’s work, language interpretation. It makes so much sense because she was doing what came naturally to her & what she so much loved. She wanted people to understand one another. She made connections happen between people. She brought people to life to one another. It was her gift.
ReplyDeleteIn her personal life, it was her nature to always give grace. She so wanted all past hurts & transgressions from the inevitable shortcomings of others and herself to be swiftly gone & out of sight, as she said, like water under the bridge, gone & forgotten. And she did it. She really did let go of and gave grace regarding all of our human shortcomings. This was another of her great gifts to those of us left behind.
In our conversations, Diana clearly stated that her most cherished times in life were with her family - being with Dejan and her beloved children, Nick, Tania & Jess. She said her marriage to Dejan and their family life together in their home here were her happiest times, and that losing him & their happy life together was the greatest blow lifes circumstances dealt her. Yet she rose up and faced life, with determination and a genuine welcoming smile on her face. She accomplished much and lived fully, being busy in the world, working hard, raising her family, participating in countless lives and groups and events. I know she seldom said no to any invitation. She made herself go out in the world & be a part of life, even when she wasn’t feeling particularly social or well. Her life was people. She was lonely still at times for Dejan. She still longed for the completeness of his companionship. She would play romantic songs from the 60’s & 70’s and smile & sway, her face dreamy and lit up, adrift with memories of their time together.
Diana was beautiful, smart, funloving, wise, courageous, determined, generous and loving. Diana was a strong and mighty and feminine force – soft hearted, easy to lean on and learn from, yielding and life affirming. What Diana made of her life, of her person, was a marvel. She did live her best life, in the words of Oprah, and she was all about her people, first, most especially and always to her forever beloved children, Jesse, Tania and Nick.
I love you Diana and I will miss you, my wildflower friend.
Diana and I first met when we worked together at a Prince George’s county trial. She was precise and intuitive. She was a good mentor and unstinting in sharing her knowledge and experience. She was a great interpreter to emulate.
ReplyDeleteThen I got to know Diana personally and found myself among an astonishing number of her friends from all walks of life with whom she shared her multiple interests. Her house was a jumble of treasures reflecting her full and exciting life. Her home was also a traffic jam of friends and her children’s friends who were always dropping by and who knew they would always be welcomed with Diana’s big smile and a “How are ya?” No wonder they came in droves: She understood human foibles, was a good listener, wise and caring and passionate about her likes and dislikes. Diana was never indifferent.
Her greatest pride and joy were her children Tania, Nick and Jelica, her daughter and son in laws and four grandchildren, the latter born long after doctors had given her limited time. How grateful she felt to be able to live to see her grandchildren grow before her eyes! As her illness marched on relentlessly, Diana did not cave in. Instead she wrestled he r disease with every means while maintaining an active social life and traveling. She also continued interpreting adjusting her assignments to her treatments. She never gave up.
When I last visited her she spoke of her abbreviated time and shared some thoughts: “I would like, when I go”--she said—“to have white kites flown.” On Saturday, regrettably far away in Georgia, I shall make and fly a white kite and remember the remarkable and unforgettable Diana.
Diana taught me how to live and how to die. I shall miss her sorely.
Nancy Hartzenbusch
Mrs. Jovanovic was the rarest of gems – so much so that I know I will never meet anyone like her. She was truly a role model for me growing up. I don’t think she realized how much I looked up to her and admired her. I was born with an active curiosity and the urge to explore the world, and Mrs. J ignited my imagination with stories of her international adventures. I learned about the world from her. I met so many interesting people because of her. The smallest of knickknacks and toys around her home fascinated me because they were acquired from countries I knew nothing about. Whenever I share memories of my childhood with friends, so many of my stories reflect her influences on my life and the happy and magical times spent with her.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Jovanovic’s eccentricities were cherished. Everything we did with the Jovanovic family was so much fun because it was out of the ordinary. When you went to the Jovanovic home to eat, you never knew what you would get, but you knew you were in for a surprise. Dinner was usually a smorgasbord of mismatched, ethnic, and whatever’s in the cupboard food – fondue, pickled beets, pizza slices, borscht or goulash, pickled eggs, Swedish cookies, artichokes, grilled cheese, you name it. She always had a sauce if you hated plain vegetables. My fondest memory is sitting around the dinner table at Easter for four hours (true European style) reading Truly Tasteless Jokes books – I never laughed so hard (and as a side note to this, it was Mr. Jovanovic who laughed the hardest – making us laugh even more).
What I loved so much about her was how special she made me (and everyone else) feel. She had a way of referring to people with endearing adjectives – you were never just her friend, but were her “very special friend” or “wonderful neighbor” (or her “beautiful daughter”, “very smart son” or her “handsome brother”). She was always saw the best in people – sometimes she saw more potential in us than we saw in ourselves. Mrs. J was the kind of person who was always thinking about others – she was genuinely interested. Every time we visited she would mention something my mom had said about me and wanted to know how I was doing. If I was unhappy or didn’t know what to do with my life, she always had unique insights and words of encouragement.
I will miss Mrs. Jovanovic more than I can express. I’ll miss seeing her drive up the street in her little car and stopping to say hello. I’ll miss her beautiful smile. I’ll miss hearing about her latest interpreting job and the incredibly interesting people she met. I’ll miss the joy in her voice when she talked about her children and grandchildren, whom she loved so much and was so proud of. Most of all, I will miss her beautiful voice saying “hi sweetie, is your mom there” when I pick up the phone. My comfort is that she’s at a place where she can be with Dejan again – she loved him so much – he was her other half.
I’m so grateful to have had her in my life and she’ll always be in my heart.
Melanie Myers
This is from my mom's dear friend, Andree Llanes.
ReplyDeleteI have had the pleasure of knowing Diana for about 15 years, during which she became a very close friend. We shared many common interests, among them reading, foreign languages and cultures, movies, people and going out. We had a lot of fun together.
I loved this intelligent, thoughtful, fun-loving friend, who was always so gracious and full of wit and humor. We participated in several activities together, and I especially enjoyed our time going and coming back from events, sharing our insights and commenting about life in general. We discovered that in her many travels Diana had lived in El Salvador (where I am from) for a couple of years, and we knew some of the same people!
I was so impressed with Diana’s skills as an interpreter. I had the opportunity to accompany her to court during a time she couldn’t drive. Her ability to process information and translate it instantly amazed me—it seemed to me as if she almost read the speaker’s mind. She impressed me with her courage and determination to overcome the challenges caused by her illness. It appeared to me as if, in an attempt to set aside the seriousness of her circumstances, she continued to offer her home to host one of the many groups to which she belonged; she remained an elegant, gracious hostess.
continuation of Andree Llanes' post.
ReplyDeleteI had the privilege of spending some time with Diana during her last week of life, and I will never forget her example of courage and grace in the face of very difficult circumstances. As uncomfortable as she was, she managed to enjoy hearing me read to her, and she was even able to react with some chuckles.
I know how much Diana loved her children and grandchildren---she often spoke of every one of them. To Nick, Tanya and their families, and to Jessie who took on with the greatest dedication the role of caring for her mother in the home, my most sincere condolences. I am so sorry to not be with you for the celebration of Diana’s life as I am presently away, but please know that you have all been very much in my thoughts. Your mother was a remarkable friend who will be missed immensely and remembered with much love.
This is from my mom's close colleague and friend, Annette Ramos.
ReplyDeleteAs I was telling my friend and Spanish interpreter colleague Eileen Weinig this afternoon, it hasn’t quite sunk in that Diana has passed away. I still think at any moment the phone will ring and she and I will be making plans to see an art house film in downtown Bethesda, or discuss the latest book in the Spanish language reading group, or go for a walk in the beautiful Wheaton gardens. Perhaps attending the memorial service tomorrow will finally make her passing more concrete for me.
When I moved into the DC area less than two years ago, I will never forget how quickly both Eileen and Diana took me under their wings professionally. With Diana, the relationship moved to a different level, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Sometimes she was sisterly to me. More often she was motherly, in part because I’ve been an orphan since the age of 28 (I’m now 43). Most of all she was someone with whom I could engage about every aspect of life, large and small, and she was always handy with advice, encouragement and a big smile.
When we had down time at the interpreters’ desk area in Hyattsville, we would often look up words together, or discuss the best options for rendering the translation of certain terms. She was always thinking of how to do a better job. She never stopped having an inquisitive mind.
I visited her four days before she passed away, on Monday June 29th. Even though she was obviously struggling, we were able to share a meal and pleasant conversation.
I brought a copy of the transcript of President Obama’s speech “A New Beginning” delivered on June 4th at Cairo University, but heard around the world. We actually practiced interpreting consecutively for about two pages, taking turns. One of us would read and the other interpret a paragraph or two, and then switch. She loved the speech, and until the shortness of breath caught up with her, she also enjoyed interpreting as she had done so well for so many years.
Diana had been taking Arabic lessons for some time. She mentioned she would be going back to her classes when she got better. Learning Arabic in the midst of so much Islamophobia since September 11th is a testament to the kind of person Diana was. She was not just someone who studied and worked hard to be a competent professional, but someone with a true faith in the brotherhood and sisterhood that can come from taking the time to learn about the multifaceted realities of others, whether down the street of half way across the world.
On that last evening when we spent some time together, I put some chocolate covered almonds I had brought on a plate for her, together with some fresh cherries that I picked from a bag lying on the counter in the kitchen. “What a delightful combination,” she said after savoring them. Diana enjoyed every little pleasure life has to offer, even in the midst of unimaginable discomfort. May we all strive to always do the same.
Nick, Tania, and Jess, the love of your mother and your father will always be with you.
Diana and I first met when we worked together at a Prince George’s county trial. She was precise and intuitive. She was a good mentor and unstinting in sharing her knowledge and experience. She was a great interpreter to emulate.
ReplyDeleteThen I got to know Diana personally and found myself among an astonishing number of her friends from all walks of life with whom she shared her multiple interests. Her house was a jumble of treasures reflecting her full and exciting life. Her home was also a traffic jam of friends and her children’s friends who were always dropping by and who knew they would always be welcomed with Diana’s big smile and a “How are ya?” No wonder they came in droves: She understood human foibles, was a good listener, wise and caring and passionate about her likes and dislikes. Diana was never indifferent.
Her greatest pride and joy were her children Tania, Nick and Jelica, her daughter and son in laws and four grandchildren, the latter born long after doctors had given her limited time. How grateful she felt to be able to live to see her grandchildren grow before her eyes! As her illness marched on relentlessly, Diana did not cave in. Instead she wrestled he r disease with every means while maintaining an active social life and traveling. She also continued interpreting adjusting her assignments to her treatments. She never gave up.
When I last visited her she spoke of her abbreviated time and shared some thoughts: “I would like, when I go”--she said—“to have white kites flown.” On Saturday, regrettably far away in Georgia, I shall make and fly a white kite and remember the remarkable and unforgettable Diana.
Diana taught me how to live and how to die. I shall miss her sorely.
Nancy Hartzenbusch
Thank you all for celebrating her life with my family today. Let us always have a piece of my mom in our lives.
ReplyDeleteWhere There's a Will There's a Way.
As I thought about my mom during her life, I thought about what an incredibly stubborn woman she was – don’t take this the wrong way. What I mean is that she had heart and will and fight. Her eternal optimism and persistence permeates almost every memory I can recall and persists in my daily life. From the time I was a small girl, my mom started telling me “Tania, you can do it, where there's a will there's a way”; she believed it, she wholeheartedly lived it and she inspired it in everyone she met.
As most of you know by now, my dad passed away when we were small and my mom raised three very young children. Through sheer will, she gave us more love and positive inspiration than many children have in a lifetime. When I’d complain about something insignificant, she say “Ba fungula, move on”. I think it was her special code for, “forget it, go have fun and enjoy the day”.
Funds were often tight as a single mother working to raise her kids but that didn’t stop my mom from living a full life. She loved the theater, so her resourceful way to see every show was to volunteer as an usher at all the local theaters; she took joy in the fact that she had a chance to help people while being entertained at the same time.
Even after she was diagnosed with cancer and they gave her a poor prognosis, she remained true to herself and fought on, all the while enjoying life to the fullest. When she’d visit me in CT she’d put her “Handi Andi”, as she called her oxygen, on a raft and swim alongside me and my 2 year old in the pool. I remember one particular swimming episode when I was 4 months pregnant with number two and Handi Andi went for a dive down to the bottom of the 13ft pool. She yelled, “Hurry Tania, go go get it, get it quickly” as she held her grandson up in the water and I madly chased the oxygen to the bottom. Once we situated, we laughed and had fun as we often did. Then there was the time when she decided to change a light bulb oxygen and all. She stood on top of her old dining room table only to break it in two; she called me afterwards bragging that she was okay and she was pretty sure the light worked! My mom lived in what I liked to call her organized chaos- always her own unique way and always managing to make it work with a big smile on her face.
One of my favorite memories was when we went to Guadeloupe and Martinique together on a mother-daughter bonding trip; we walked on the beach, enjoyed tropical beverages and chatted and laughed into the night. Our first night in Martinique, our door didn’t lock so my mom being my mom jerry-rigged a chair under the door and guarded her 30 year old baby all night long.
In so many ways, she way my best friend and my inspiration; during a difficult period after I had graduated college, she wrote me a letter saying, “T- Smile, we love you.... Never, never lose love. Love of home, family, self, dog, work, fun and 1 day the right male.” Of course she was right. This was my mom, she often wrote me little notes just to say she loved me. Or she called just to chat with my husband, myself or Rodger, my two year old about nothing at all, or absolutely everything. We loved hearing her happy voice and having her smiling face around. Both our boys loved Baba as well. My oldest son adored looking through all of her “treasures” and my baby just loved giggling while running his fingers through her duckie hair. It was amazing to see her with the grandbabies; she had this calm energy that captivated them and opened their senses with the simplest things. Each time we left her house, my oldest would spend days saying “I want to play Baba’s guitar, I want to play Baba’s drums, I want to see Baba’s elephants. Mommy, I want to go back to Baba’s house”.
Through her journey, when times were tough, I gently encouraged her with her own advice; “where there’s a will there’s a way”. Sure enough, she kicked the funk and always showed us the light; she’d give us a big loud lion’s roar to let us know she was fighting. Even in the last month when she was having more difficulty; they had to put a tube in to drain her lung so that she could go home. I overheard her telling someone “Well, I have this tube you see, so I guess now Handi Andi has a friend”. In her last two weeks, she even asked in sincere amazement how she could have possibly gained three pounds in a hospital. Our den mother roared loud into her final days.
ReplyDeletePeople talk about smelling the roses in life, but few actually do. My mom slowed down just enough to thoroughly enjoy and embrace life; it was her will that kept her alive and going for so many years after her diagnosis. It was her true passion for life, the experiences, the love and enjoyment from family and friends that kept her vibrant until the last days.
My mom gave me so many wonderful things. Every time she said I love you and looked at me with pride, she had herself to thank. She raised me and in every way weaved into my being, turning me into the person that I am today. I used to get frustrated with her constant “suggestions” but as I grew up and matured, I began to appreciate her honesty and frankness. I will always be grateful for the 33 years of strength, character and love that she shared with me.
My mom never judged me, she listened, she loved and she gracefully guided me; she was an awesome mom, friend and mentor. She constantly encouraged me to find the good in people and in life. She always told me not to worry because I’d get it all done and more. People share their sadness as both of our parents are gone; I feel blessed and grateful that God gave me 33 years with such an amazing woman.
If we can all take just take a fraction of her will and optimism and apply it to our own lives, perhaps at the end of it all we too can also say that we lived. As we remember my mom today and forever, I hope we always hear her voice encouraging us from above, “where there's a will there's a way”.
This is from my mom's friend Trish Dorgan posted on July 09, 2009
ReplyDeleteDiana and I were good friends long ago. She is one of the sweetest and strongest woman I knew. She loved her children fiercely and was so intelligent and funny. She often spoke of Deyan with such sadness to have lost him but always remembered the wonderful times with him. We had gone in separate ways over the years and I didn't know she was sick. She is now with her husband and be assured that she is watching over all of you with love and protection.
Love you, Diana
~
Trish Dorgan,
Olney, Maryland
This email was sent to Diana's friend Eileen Wenig on Sunday, July 5, 2009 who passed it along to us...
ReplyDeleteDear Eileen,
I was Diana's teacher at the Muslim Community Center and I was very sad to hear of her passing. I know the last few months have been very hard on her as I'm sure they have been for you and for all her friends and family. Those of us from MCC who had the pleasure of knowing her will miss her soft heart, lovely smile and determined spirit and courage. I would consider it an honor to attend Diana's memorial service but unfortunately, I am leaving town early Monday afternoon to visit a close relative of mine who is also very sick with lung cancer. Please let me know the time and place of Diana's memorial service. If it is on Monday morning, than God be willing, I will attend it before my departure. Regardless of my attendance I would like to send flowers or make a donation in Diana's memory. Could you please let me know what the family's wishes are in this regard. May God's Love and Mercy give you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Ayesha Karimullah
Diana was a very courageous, forgiving and kind person. She was warm and genuinely interested in other people. She had an incredible stamina and zest for life. I still can see and hear in my mind her infectious smile and hearty laugh. I regret not having seen her or talked more often with her in the last few years. She was one of the friendliest colleagues I have had as a conference interpreter. I will miss her.
ReplyDeleteChristina Lobo
P.S.: This blog is a wonderful tribute to Diana. I was sorry I was not able to attend her memorial service but will make a contribution in her name.
This was sent from her good friend and oldest pen pal Ian McQueen:
ReplyDeleteI am an outlier in Diana's life, living "far away" in eastern Canada,
but we were friends for more than half a century. We were brought together
by mail, back in 1958, when she replied from San Salvador to a feature in
Teen magazine that matched up pen pals. We corresponded through high school
and university and early in my working life. Letters travelled between
Canada, Sao Paulo, Beverly Hills, and Washington over the years. Practice
reading Diana's unique writing style, which combined mental telepathy and
telegraphese, could have prepared me for a career in cryptography. As I
realized with time, that was just Diana.
We met for the first time in 1963 in New York, when I was there to see
the World's Fair and she was flying in from Brazil. The next year she hosted
me for a short visit as I took in some of the features of Washington en
route home via a long detour after a summer job in Ontario. We met again in
1967 when I was able to parlay a business trip to New Jersey into a quick
weekend visit to DC. And the following weekend she made it a home-and-home
series when she flew to Montreal to see a bit of Expo 67.
After that, many years and much life passed. I left Canada for "a year
or two" in 1970, travelled widely in Japan and SE Asia, and ended up in
Australia for several years. During this time, Diana married and began that
part of her life, all unknown to me. I found myself back in Japan in the
late 1970s and began making vacation trips back to North America to see
family and friends. I thought again of Diana, but we had lost touch when I
left Canada and I had no idea where she was. By good fortune I still
remembered the address of her parents in Brazil from the letters that I had
sent there, and through them I was able to get back in touch with Diana. In
the early 80s I arranged one summer's flights to pass through DC, and was
able to visit again.
I was years behind in news, of course. By then her husband had,
unfortunately, passed away, so I never met him. But we caught up on the many
events in our lives in the interim and I met her younger daughter, who was
only a young child at the time. Life must have been difficult for Diana with
three children to support, but she did it all without complaint and with the
smile that so many of us remember so well. (One of my memories is the parrot
that loved her but attacked anyone else.)
The last time I saw Diana was early this century, when Kazumi (my wife)
and I visited friends near Washington. We had an enjoyable evening at
Diana's, Diana and Kazumi charming each other.
The miracle of the internet allowed us to exchange messages with greater
speed than the snail mail that had sufficed for so many years, though her
messages were the usual Dianagrams with so much information left to guess
at. But after so long reading her writings I knew that this was just normal
Diana. Mostly they were only recountings of our daily doings. She wrote once
about her cancer and the seriousness, and there was the occasional reference
to her oxygen tanks, but that was it. Diana was not analytical and she did
not dwell on the shortcomings in life. She accepted the illness, carried on
with life and her usual activities as much like before as possible, living
with it as long as possible.
I invited Diana to visit us in New Brunswick, but it was never to be,
especially after her illness was diagnosed and she had to transport her
oxygen equipment.
It is sad that Diana's journey has come to an end. She beat the odds and
lived much longer than expected. I thought that she would go on forever, and
this weekend I sent an ordinary message to her, filling her in on the
trivialities that pass for life and sending her a big hug. I was saddened to
hear back from Tania that Diana had passed away several days earlier. I will
always treasure memories of her warmth and her radiant smile.
Would someone who is a good writer tell about the events and details of our darling Diana's "Celebration of Life" that was held at the family home after Diana's memorial service? It was such a fitting celebration. I know she would have loved it. Nick, Tania & Jess, you did a wonderful job honoring and celebrating your mom. Watching Diana in the slide show touched me deeply. It helped me to see her well and out of the house and under the sky.
ReplyDeleteDear Diana,
ReplyDeleteThough I talked to you several times a week and nearly always offered you words of love, humor, or encouragement, I’m quite sure I didn’t come even close to offering you enough thanks.
Thanks for asking every waiter or cab driver where they’re from and for continuing to listen until you got their complete life stories. I used to ask these same questions, and then at some point I became jaded or rushed. Your huge number of friends stands as testament to remind us to always be quizzical, to always listen, and to always make people feel special. Thanks for reminding me to stop and listen and learn.
Thanks for collecting friends for an entire lifetime, and thanks also for asking them for help when you needed help. You have friends from all ages and stages of your life (just read this blog), and they’re wonderful people. I’m sure you haven’t stopped making friends just yet!
Thanks for your astounding ability to forgive and for not worrying about material things. You never worried when your grandkids (or grand-dog or son-in-law) played with your treasures. When a 2 ½ -year-old dropped your guitar on your living room floor (for the tenth time), you did not flinch, anger, or take away the instrument. Whenever unkind things were said or done, you shrugged them off. Thanks for knowing and guiding that good parenting (and grandparenting) means instantaneous forgiveness.
Thanks for having the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (And It’s All Small Stuff) in your bathroom. And thanks for embodying that principle.
Thanks for caring deeply for your adopted animals. You had three pets when I first met you, and none of them were officially yours. Hunter, Chanel ,and Fred – misfits all - loved your company, attention, and selflessness. You loved the animals, and they loved you. I subscribe to the notion that you can judge a person’s true character by how they treat their animals, and your animals were always pampered.
Thanks for working up until your final month and for enjoying it so much. I used to wonder why you would interpret over the phone for a pittance when you certainly could have made more. Truth is, you did it because you liked doing it. You liked to help family, friends, and complete strangers, and you liked to be active. Thanks for having and sharing that joy, and let us all try to find work that brings us such pleasure.
Thanks for laughing at most of my jokes, -- and for laughing even harder at your own!
Thanks for creating and molding such a wonderful daughter. And thanks for letting me marry her!
Diana, you will be missed daily, but forgotten never.
Love
Mike Grant
Amen to all you said Mike!! .... and to everyone who silently or publicly acknowledges Diana's positive impact on their lives. We share a love and fondness for Diana that bonds us. She was such a natural... at living fully, at graciousness, at forgiveness... and at love. I think maybe it was overlooked sometimes, in the jumble of our humanness, on what a big scale she really lived, from the inside out. I am not deifying her - we all have our funny quirks and human frailties which we can tell fun stories about another time. I am saying that our Diana was deep and rare and unique. I believe our sharing with each other, of our stories and personal relationships with her, will help us, or I should say me, at the very least, to assimilate(to make similar) those qualities in myself, that Diana so beautifully modeled. I miss my friend and I honor the way she loved and lived. She's my hero, and knowing that would make her beam, laugh and feel loved. She did need to know from us that she was loved. God speed my friend. You are cherished, always!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Jessie:
ReplyDeleteI just found out about your dear mom's passing. We spent time together when you and my daughter Sasha were little girls, your mom and I worked at the DC Superior Court with Connie Landro,and we used to see each other and our kids very often in those days. I saw Diana about three months ago, when she was sick already, but you and your brother, sister and grand kids was all she talked about. She was very focused on the future, she was so proud of you and how far you had gotten, she swore to me you looked just like Katherine Zeta Jones...... Please feel a deep hug I send your way. As you may remember I also lost my husband very early and raised my kids alone.... losing a dear member of our families is never easy, be strong and be sure that Diana is there for you always. Kika Rosenthal
Today, Rodger asked Mike “Daddy, where’s Baba? Mike said “She’s everywhere, with the stars and the moon watching you all the time.” Rodger asked, “Does Baba watch me play my guitar and drums.” He laughed and told her that yes, she does. In such a short period of time, she had such a powerful impact on sweet Rodger Roo – she loved him soo much. She looked at him with absolute adoration as he sweetly cuddled into her to play or to read. When she’d stay over with us in Connecticut, in the early morning, as soon as she heard the pitter-patter of his foot steps, she’d roar “Roooodger” in her sleepy, having just woken up voice. He’d race into her room and climb into bed to snuggle with her. Rodger would continue to look for Baba and ask for her for days after she left for her own home. Baba had such a wonderful way with Rodger. In such a short period, she tried to teach him how to appreciate the little things and how to make fun from anything– she’d make drums from tin cookie cans and wooden spoons, she’d make toys from cardboard makeup containers, napkins, paper placemats and straws. Every Baba toy intrigued him and now he does the same- he turns sticks and shirts into fallen trees, he turns stairs into sweet potatoes, cardboard into airplanes. Baba is looking down at her Rodger Roo and roaring with pride and her sweet grand-cub.
ReplyDeleteMy mom's friend Virginia Arnegard recently asked me to post this:
ReplyDelete"Diana has been in my thoughts over these last months - we met last Spring when she was an interpreter for one of my clients who spoke Portuguese. She helped me with understanding the culture so I could better assist my client. She and I talked frequently of our travels and interests when we got there early or after the session ended. She often spoke of her family and the love she had for her children was evident in the way she spoke about them. She was very social - always smiling and had such a sweet spirit about her. I think of her often and miss her so much. She was such a joy to work with!"
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ReplyDeleteAhh, mom how we still miss you so much! We spent the celebration of your life at Lilian. We remembered '07 and '08 in Lilian with you and how much fun we had! We went back to Tangier Island and ate at the same restaurant and we hit the Crazy Crab in Reedville. Nothing is the same without you and re-visiting these spots without is sad sad. But life must go on and so we continue to remember the wonderful times we had together. Rodger caught a fish on the pier in Lilian (his first). I told him Baba was beaming down proudly from heaven. He then asked me "Mommy, how can we get to heaven to see Baba again?" I told him that we have to live very long full, happy lives and then we'll find our way to Baba and heaven. Your friends have been emailing as they remember and are also saddened by the 1 year passing. As always you're missed, admired and loved by everyone. Most of all, I miss my best friend, our conversations and all of your advice. Plus I miss the way you opened your arms and beamed every time we saw each other. It still feels like just yesterday...
ReplyDeleteI only recently became aware of my dear friend Diana Jovanovic's passing away in July 2009, and I mourn her death with great sadness and many fond memories. I first met Diana at the White Oak Library, soon after I had moved to Silver Spring from the Chicago area. Diana had her then small children Nickolas and Tania with her and I had my two small children, Nandi and Sasha with me. We began chatting and became instant friends. Diana was so vivacious, friendly and adventurous and she introduced me to many wonderful places to see and things to do in our area. She would often suggest walks in the parks and picnics with our kids. I can never forget her and Dejan's memorable annual Fall walks in the woods behiind her home with a large group of convivial friends, followed always wtih delicious steaming bowls of soup and her famous Brazilian stew, Feijoada. Diana had a towering personality, a grand smile and an infectious laugh. Above all, she was a friend who I shall always treasure in my memory. My thoughts, love and remembrances are with Nickolas, Tania and Jessie.
ReplyDeleteQuentine Acharya, Saratoga, California
Today we drove past a cemetery and Rodger now 3.75 years, asked me about the stones. I explained that those were graves and that when people die, their body goes back to the earth while their spirit and soul goes up to heaven so they can watch and protect the people they love. Rodger looks at me and says “Oh yeah, just like Baba protects and watches me”. Yes Rodger like Baba watches and protects all of her babies. She loved to say “Can you believe you all came from me”.
ReplyDelete