Diane Vivian Simons was born Dec 9, 1940 in Winona, MN. Growing up in a musical family she demonstrated natural talent at age 6when she began piano. At 15, Diane‘s family moved to El Segundo, CA where she began teaching rhythm band to children at the ES Cottage of Music plus private piano lessons. After graduating from ESHS she attended UCLA obtaining a BA and credentials.

She returned to her ESHS alma mater where she directed choirs and taught German. She developed students’ abilities and love of music through the choir festivals, concerts and musicals. She spent 1 year sabbatical in England and 2years in India; coming home she moved on to teach music to students at Center Street school until retirement.

In 1996, she co-founded and directed the South Bay Children’s Choir, remaining artistic Director until 2020.

This highly respected choir won many awards, traveled internationally and performed in many prestigious venues in the US and abroad.

Diane was highly acclaimed, —but her Legacy lives on in her students’ love of music and the personal character that she imparted; some now are music teachers, music therapists and exceptional musicians. Many students and friends say their time with her was life-changing.

Diane was a loving mentor to many including her family —leaving behind 2 sisters, 1 brother-in-law, 1 sister-in-law, 7 nieces, 1 nephew, 15 grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, Dale and Lucille Simons and brother Leslie Simons.

God carried her through trials she endured with merciful grace and ultimately to the heaven that she longed for. Diane passed gently on Apr 30, 2025.

Celebration of Life service will be Sunday, July 6, 2:30pm at the United Methodist Church, 540 Main St, El Segundo, CA

Memorial gifts may be given in her honor to South Bay Children’s Choir OR to Education Through Music-Los Angeles