Diana passed from this world peacefully into the loving arms of her creator early in the morning of December 27, 2024 in the presence of her husband of 30 years, Wally.

Diana was born in Modesto on June 28, 1955 to Anna Ada Bianco and Charles Jack Harris.

She spent her childhood at her lovely home in Portola Valley, loving nature, reading, music and the company of animals. Having been born with a congenital heart defect, she was limited in her physical capabilities which had a profound impact on her life. Diana often spent summers at her Grandmother’s almond ranch in Ripon, Calif. Oh, that valley heat! The proximity to Yosemite afforded many memorable visits which she recalled with deep sentiment.

Diana attended the local Portola Valley elementary schools She went on to graduate from Woodside High in 1973. Following graduation she finally had her heart defect repaired at Stanford University Medical Center, a rarity at this age. She went on to study at Canada College where she met her future first husband Gordon Webb. She then continued her education at San Francisco State University graduating with a degree in labor studies.

Diana had a solid work ethic, working through college and after graduation was employed as an administrative assistant for different employers in San Francisco, most notably for The Sailors Union of the Pacific and finally for the Operating Engineers. She was active in San Francisco politics in the 1980s as an editor of the newspaper of the Council of Labor Union Women, and participated in activism and demonstrations in the furtherance of women’s and worker’s rights.

Diana accepted a position at the City of Arcata as an administrative assistant in the City Manager’s office following her husband Gordon’s appointment as an archivist at Humboldt State University. Gordon died tragically soon after this and Diana was introduced through a mutual friend to Wally Cooper. Marriage followed, and shortly thereafter Diana and Wally were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Anna.

Diana’s employment at the City of Arcata continued within the Environmental Services Department, where she served in this capacity for 25 years. She was a participant in the City’s development of the Arcata Marsh, the Wastewater and Treatment Plant and the Arcata Community Forest to where they stand today.

While employed and during her retirement she was active in our local community as a member of the Humboldt County Commission on the Status of Women, the Rose Society, Humboldt County 4-H and the Humboldt County Embroidery Guild.

A special place in Diana’s life was her membership in the community of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Sunnybrae. She served on the Vestry, the Creation Care Committee and the Church Choir. The family wishes to give their heartfelt thanks to our pastor, Mother Sara Potter, Deacon Cynthia Woods and Parish Nurse Emily Arents, along with all the members of our loving church community.

In her family and personal life Diana was the loving wife and best friend to her husband of 30 years, Wally. She was the loving and dedicated mother and grandmother to our daughter, Anna, and our three grandchildren,Terra, Leo and Mia. She is also survived by her sister, Marianna Allgauer of La Jolla.

The rite of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church at 1675 Chester Avenue, Arcata — (707) 822-4102 — followed be a gathering in the church’s Parish Hall and interment in the church’s Memorial Garden. If desired please give to a worthy cause or institution of your choice

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dianna Cooper’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.