Obituary: Cochran, Diana Shirley
Age 92
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to Dr. and Mrs. William Frazier Daw, she was raised in Oak Bay, Victoria, BC, Canada, until her father’s untimely death in 1938, after which she went to live with family in Glendale, California where she graduated from Hoover High School in 1941.
She married Roger Clay Cochran, October 11, 1942 in Walla Walla, WA.
They were transferred many times in those early war years as Roger, a pilot for the US Army Air Corps, was stationed in Rapid City and Pierre, SD, Colorado Springs, CO, Mt.
Home, ID, and Geiger Field in Spokane, WA.
After the war, they and their two children, eventually settled permanently in Spokane, WA in 1952.
Diana was a member of St. John’s Cathedral, where she and Roger were Sunday school teachers.
She was President of Spokane Children’s Theatre for several years, and a member of the Spokane Club.
Employed by Lincoln Savings and Loan, she eventually co-partnered a family business, Roger Cochran CO., Inc. in 1959.
In 1975, she opened the Tree House Gallery, known for antiques, pottery, sculptures and the artwork of many fine local artists including, among others, Michael Curtis, Chester Fields, Deane Veselit and Nona Hengen.
During the Vietnam War, she felt a duty to become a US citizen when her son enlisted, with citizenship granted in 1966.
She closed her Gallery when she retired in 1983.
She spoke often of her childhood in Oak Bay, Victoria, BC, Canada.
The wonderful times spent with her older sister Patricia and brothers Conner, Bob and John at the nearby beach.
Also, of her father’s passion in breeding dogs and the champion English Setters he raised.
In later life, she enjoyed many summers at their lake place on Pend Oreille Lake.
She liked to paint, decorate and collect items of interest.
She was interested in History, Archaeology, and was especially proud of her Canadian and Newfoundland family history.
She was a loving partner, wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Roger, daughter Suzi Johns (Ron); son, Michael (Mardeli); granddaughters, Lisa Meucci, Kristina Bills, Sara Cochran and Tia Campbell; great-grandchildren, Lauren Meucci, Stephanie, Quinton and Kayce Bills; three great-great-grandchildren, Charles and twins Aubree and Abigail.
Also survived by her sister, Patricia Keeling of Nanaimo, BC, Canada and brother John David Daw, Richmond, BC, Canada and many Canadian nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Frazier Daw, MD and Anna Mable Celia (Fowles) Daw, and brothers Conner and Robert Daw, all of Canada.
A private gathering will be held at St. John’s Cathedral.
Donations may be made to the local Dementia and Alzheimer’s Association, S.C.R.A.P.S or a favorite charity.
Our family wishes to thank all of the staff at Moran Vista Senior Center and Horizon Hospice for their excellent care and kindnesses to Diana and our family during this past year.
An extra special thanks is given to the wonderful neighbors from their 47 years on Browne’s Mt.
at their South Dearborn home.
Dad could not have cared for mom there, those many years, without their neighbors’ ever watchful eyes and ears and most importantly their patient, loving hearts.