January 14, 1943 - March 24, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dianne S. Hart, age 82. Dianne left this world on March 24, 2025 with family by her side. Dianne is survived by her husband Dale, and children, Nathan, Benton (Sarah) and Jacob (Deborah). Dale and Dianne have eight grandchildren: Henry, Warren, Jasmine, Madeleine, Vander, Charlie, Eva and Ethan. Dianne was the oldest of six girls. Her parents were Benton and Marjorie Sneary of Versailles, OH. Calling hours are on April 5, 2025, from 1-3 pm at the Fowler Funeral Home in Brockport, NY.
Dianne lived a life full of adventures and accomplishments. She grew up in the small town of Versailles, OH, where she attended high school and met her future husband Dale at the age of 15. Dianne, who was the Valedictorian of her high school class, attended Miami University (Oxford, OH). After 2 years of university study, Dianne was married on August 24, 1963, at 8:00 am, St. Denis Church, Versailles, Ohio. Dianne was 20 and Dale was 22 years old.
Dianne transferred as a junior to The Ohio State University, working on a degree in education to become a French teacher. In 1964, Dale and Dianne joined the Peace Corps, where Dianne patriotically served her country for two years, assigned to the small city of Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. During training Dianne hid her pregnancy from family and the Peace Corps, as she did not want to worry family and wanted to maintain her assignment. Their son Nathan was born April 8, 1965 in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire in a one room health clinic. Dianne served as teacher at the local “Foyer de la Femme,” an adult education center for women who had never attended school. They ranged in age from 19 to 27 years and many students brought their babies to class with them. Instruction was in French, and Dianne taught reading, writing, health care, sewing, cooking, and child care.
In 1966, Dale and Dianne returned to The States and later attended Ball State University. In 1968, Dianne was accepted into the Doctoral program in English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley. Dianne selflessly declined the opportunity and instead chose to support her husband in his pursuit of a PhD. In 1971, after moving to Brockport, NY Dianne pursued a Master’s degree in Education and later taught English at Holley High School, both old & new. In 1972, Dianne and Dale temporarily adopted her youngest sister, Suzy. The arrangement had a beautiful impact on the Hart family. Suzy went on to graduate from Brockport HS in 1974. Dianne often remarked that Suzy’s presence made her a better person, mother, and teacher. Dianne went on to teach for 27 consecutive years at Holley HS. She indeed brought unique experiential wealth to the classroom and had a profound impact on many young formative minds, including her sister, Suzy.
With the arrival of her first grandchild (Jasmine), Dianne retired from teaching in 1996 and joined Classic Adventures’ bicycle excursions full-time. The addition of Dianne to this family-run adventure travel business brought the company to new heights of success. Dianne was enthusiastic, detail oriented, could speak Modern Greek and French, and was already an avid cyclist. A willingness to learn new skills, coupled with an affinity for human connection in foreign cultures, she was a perfect fit in this dynamic business. Dianne cycled in many countries including Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Leading small group bicycle tours in the country of Greece was a favorite destination. She completed coast to coast rides (USA) on more than one occasion. The family bike packing trip (1,500 miles) from Savannah, GA, passing through Ohio back to Brockport, NY, will go down as one of her most memorable rides.
Dianne was an accomplished pianist, with a beautiful and melodic voice. She enjoyed cooking, food preservation, gardening, camping, quilting, sewing, and made several large braided rugs. She created countless custom pajamas, dresses, costumes, pillows and quilts for her grandchildren. During her time in Hamlin, NY, she formed a book club, an activity she always looked forward to, especially the lively discussions that ensued. Dianne firmly believed that there was great value in a broad liberal arts education when paired with a courage to try new things. This was reflected in her teaching career and time with Classic Adventures. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a deep respect for education and a strong moral foundation, encouraging them to pursue knowledge with integrity and compassion.
Dianne loved easily. She was a ray of light in the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren. Her teaching skills, a thoughtful world vision, coupled with her warm and generous nature, made her the perfect wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a treasure to all who knew her.
Image Gallery
