Diane Brocco Clark, my wife of 40 years, passed away Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2:38 a.m. Love you, Diane!

Diane was born Diane Louise Brocco in Vallejo on January 25, 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mami and Charles Brocco. She is survived by her husband, Craig Clark, and sons Ryan and Mishakal, her sisters Linda and Karen, and brother Michael and step-sisters Grace and Susan, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Diane graduated from San Jose State in 1972, and began teaching grades Kindergarten through 4th grade in the two-room Mattole Union School in Petrolia the following September. Since that time she has touched the lives of so many students in the Mattole Valley and beyond. She will be remembered for her friendly, kind, caring ways, and especially for her positive outlook on life. She always was able to see the good in others. Diane loved sharing her love of books with children and led many to the adventures of reading while working as the Mattole School librarian and teachers aide. One parent said, “You were one of the first people we met when we moved to Petrolia in 1974. I came into your class to parent-help. You honestly looked like a good fairy with your long blonde hair and big blue eyes. The children clearly adored you.”

Diane and Craig were married in 1980, moving to Blocksburg to build what was said to be “the first hippie shack on the ranch.” While there she taught at Weott Elementary, the Casterlin School, and later at the Moore Avenue Children’s Center before returning to the Mattole Valley, with Craig and her two sons. Diane worked as a waitress at the Hideaway in Petrolia, making all who stopped in feel welcome.

Diane loved bringing vegetable starts and produce to the Petrolia Farmers Market and singing with the newly formed Mattole Community Choir

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, and St. Josephs Cancer Center for their care.

Due to the Covid pandemic the family will have a private interment at the Table Cemetery in Petrolia. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later time.