Diane Ward

Diane Gilda (Dagostino) Ward, 73, died at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 6, 2014 after a courageous battle against cancer. Diane was born April 4, 1941 in Caldwell, New Jersey to parents Bianco and Gilda (Damiano) Dagostino and moved with her family across the country to California where she attended the University of Southern California. Diane became interested in property management and followed that passion to New Mexico. She oversaw many different types of properties in Ruidoso, Taos, and Cloudcroft, NM before settling in Albuquerque and meeting her husband Joe in 1980. In Albuquerque she became a commercial real estate agent and continued this work for over 25 years. Her passion for property management evolved into a passion for design and after retiring she become a professional event planner at wide variety of functions, including charity events, birthday parties, and weddings. Upon retirement Diane dedicated much of her time to being an active civil servant. Diane spent time working with CASA, Sandia Civitan International, Alzheimer's Association, Cornucopia Adult and Family Services, and Cuidando Los NiA�o's. She utilized her experience in property management and event planning to organize benefits and raise money and awareness for the causes she cared so deeply about. Her activities were able to bring Kathy Wentworth, Harmon Killebrew, Eric Dickerson, Rocky Bleier, and many other celebrities to causes important to ABQ and the state of New Mexico. Diane was an avid traveler. She spent her time learning about different cultures and spent time visiting many countries around the globe including England, Paris, New Zealand, Mexico, Switzerland, Fiji, Holland, Belgium, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Additionally she criss-crossed the United States by visiting cities all across the country. Diane is survived by husband Joe Ward of Albuquerque; Daughter Connie Chance of Houston, TX; Granddaughter Dr. Tawnee Taylor and Husband Jonathan of Wilburton, OK; Grandson Kyle Chance of Stillwater, OK; Great-Grandson, Everett Taylor; and Great-Granddaughter Aspen Chance. She is also survived by Brother and sister Richard and Jojo Dagostino of Ruelle de la Poste, Switzerland; sister Vicky Dagostino of Mazatlan, Mexico, sister Betty Dagostino of Sacramento, CA, Brother and sister Frank and Joan Ward of Colorado Springs, CO, brother Donnie Ward of Denver, CO, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by Mother and Father Bianco and Gilda (Damino) Dagostino, brother Greg Dagostino, and sister Jan Ward. Memorial service was held January 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas under the direction of Father Charles Doughterty.