It’s with great sadness that the family of Diane Hawke announce her passing on May 30. Diane was much loved and known for her warm smile and welcoming nature. She will be deeply missed as the matriarch of her family.
Diane was born in Long Beach in 1931 to Carl and Sue Stewart. When a little girl, her family moved quite a bit as her father was in the Navy during WWII. They eventually ended up in Modesto where she went to school, grew up, and met her Husband of 65 years Bob Hawke.
She fondly remembered when she was young and she would go camping with her grandparents on top of Sonora Pass for 2 months every summer. This would carry into her adult life when she and her husband Bob would go trailer camping with their kids and old friends every summer at Lake Tahoe. In 1956 Diane, Bob, and their two children Bob Jr. and Susan moved to Woodland where Diane first worked in the office of Spreckles Sugar factory. After a few years she began working for Dr.
William Blevins which turned into a long career in the health industry. She eventually retired from the Woodland Clinic.
Although a member of various sororities and social groups over the years, Diane was happiest when at home with her family. She was a welcoming “Mom” to all her children’s friends and frequently her house was filled with teenagers. This extended into her later years with her grandchildren. The grandkids loved to hang out at Papa and Nani’s house. She fed them well and always kept her fridge filled with their favorite snacks.
Diane is preceded in death by her sister Mary-Sue, her husband Bob, and grandchild Jamie. She is survived by her children Bob Hawke (Kristy) and Susie Giger (Dan), grandchildren Joe Giger and wife Monica, Bobby Hawke and wife Summer, great grandchildren Naomi and Frances Giger, and Brody and Haven Hawke. And, of course, her beloved dog Ted.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, June 28th at 10:30AM at the Holy Rosary Community Center, 503 California St. Woodland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Holy Rosary Church building fund: 503 California St. Woodland 95695.