Diane Lichtenstein

Dec 8, 1933 - Aug 2, 2017

Diane Lichtenstein – devoted wife, mother, teacher, community member and friend to so many – lived for 83 years. She passed away on Wednesday, August 2, peacefully and surrounded by family. Diane will be remembered for her many contributions to the communities she loved, both locally and globally.

Diane was an inspiration to many, for her positive attitude, determination, and strength. Born in Oakland, she lived her entire life in the Bay Area, earning her bachelor’s degree (with honors) at the University of California, Berkeley. Community-minded and community-engaged, Diane held leadership positions in a number of organizations from the 1980’s through 2016, including: the Oakland Convention Center (during its construction and the initial phase of operation), the Women’s Yellow Pages (Oakland), A Central Place (Alameda), Base Re-Use Advisory Group (BRAG—Alameda), and Alameda Home Team (devoted to creating affordable housing in Alameda). Early in her career she served as president of Women’s American Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT); her last position was as vice president of Consolidated Capital Partnerships in Emeryville. She was an active member of the Alameda Kiwanis Club for 20 years, earning the Distinguished Service Award in 2014. Diane and her husband were also devoted members of the University of Pacific (UOP) Alumni Association, often working together planning activities and attending events. In 2012, the couple, moved to Lake Park Retirement Community in Oakland, where Diane quickly became immersed in Lake Park activities, held leadership positions, and greatly enjoyed no longer having to cook.

Diane was a cherished mate to her husband, Stan Lichtenstein. Last week, the two celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. The two still held hands at the movies. She was a devoted mother to her four sons, Gary, Moshe, Benyamin, and Scott. She is survived by her husband, sons, daughters-in-law (Kaye, Sarah, Rachel), as well as twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who live in Boston, New York, England, Germany, and Israel. Diane was also loved as a cousin and aunt, Lake Park resident, and close friend to many--women in particular--who she inspired by her example, her extraordinary listening skills, positive outlook on life, wisdom, and dignity. Diane will be deeply missed, and will always inspire those who knew her.

A Celebration of the Life of Diane Lichtenstein will be held on Tuesday, August 8, at Temple Sinai (2808 Summit St., Oakland) at 2:00 pm. All are welcome. Contributions in Diane’s honor can be made to the University of the Pacific’s Sonia Sotomayor Advancing Women’s Leadership Endowed Scholarship; 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211; or online at: http:// www.pacific.edu/About-Pacific/AdministrationOffices/ University-Development/ Opportunities-for-Giving/ Powell-Match/PowellMatched-Endowments. html. All donations will be matched by the Powell Match Fund