M. Diane Hawkins

Obituary M. Diane Hawkins A loving mother and wife, a proud grandmother and a dedicated, passionate kindergarten teacher, Diane was born in Tacoma WA August 30, 1943 and went to be with her Lord on January 18, 2006. Diane graduated from Aquinas Academy and Montana State University before embarking on a stellar teaching career at St. Patrick School in Tacoma and several elementary schools in the Peninsula School District. She retired from teaching in 2001. A voracious reader, Diane loved children's books and she devoted many hours sharing books and stories with her students. She always showed a creative, artistic flair in everything she undertook from collecting antiques to cooking, clothing design and homemaking. Her father, Lars A. Jensen, preceded Diane in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Larry, her three children: Lawren of San Diego, Marlyn (Matthew Ayers) and Aaron, both of Seattle; mother Vera Jensen and siblings: Jim Jensen, Teres Millar (Danny), Chic Jensen (Beverly), Rob Jensen (Jeannie), Margaret Smith (Andy), M'Lis Aleshire (Gordon); sisters-in-law Mary Hawkins SP, Burbank CA, and Rosemary Hawkins, Tacoma, brother-in-law and wife Donald and Judye Hawkins, numerous nieces and nephews, and her many friends. Matthew and Marlyn's daughter, Sierra, her only grandchild, had a special place in Diane's heart and allowed her to once again share her life-long passion and belief in children. Growing up in a large family and being the eldest of seven children, Diane was definitely the leader of the pack. We will miss her counsel and guidance, her wisdom and humor. The family would like to thank Dr. John A. Kennedy and the internal medicine staff at St. Joseph Hospital and Gig Harbor Renal Center for their life-extending care and support. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at St. Nicholas Church, Gig Harbor. Rosary and vigil will be held at Gaffney's Funeral Home, Tacoma, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24th. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.