Diane Kristie Herbert

Diane passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Born in Glendale, CA on July 29, 1952, she grew up in New Jersey. She attended Ohio University where she studied zoology and where she met her husband of 48 years, Steve. He gave her a turtle shell during a class and six months later they were married.

Diane and Steve raised two children, Holly (45) and Michael (43), in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they made their home for over 30 years. Excited for warmer weather and new adventures, they retired to Pawleys Island, South Carolina in 2014.

Though she liked to joke that she was a bit of an "outcast,” Diane had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome and cared for. She drew others in with her humor, her warmth, and her knack for finding fun in almost anything. A relentless learner and maker, Diane spent much of her time over the years as a potter, painter, knitter, stained glass artist, sculptor, and enthusiast of anything crafty. She was also an exceptional cook and baker and it brought her such joy to try new recipes with her friends and to make her family's favorite holiday cookies. Whatever she created, she loved to share it with the people around her.

Above all, her greatest love in life was her children. With Holly, she shared a love of books, travel, and horror movies; with Michael, a love of cooking, exploring the out of doors, and a healthy dose of mischief. Diane brought joy wherever she went, but she was truly happiest in the company of her two children, laughing and goofing off together over a good meal, a good cocktail, and a Godzilla movie.

Diane is survived by her mother, Muriel Hollopeter; her brother Bill Hollopeter and his wife Clementine, her sister Karen York, her children Holly and Michael, and her beloved Springer Spaniel, Daisy. 

She was preceded in death by her father William Hollopeter and her husband Steve. Her passing leaves behind a hole that cannot be filled but also a legacy of love, laughter, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures.

Diane had a great love of flowers and all things gardening, spending much of her later years volunteering at Brookgreen Gardens. In keeping with her wishes, in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Brookgreen Gardens [https://www.justgiving.com/page/dianeherbertmemorial] to support and celebrate her love of art and gardens.

A celebration of Diane's life is planned for Sunday, October 12 at the Litchfield Beach Club.