Obituary of Mariam Sherman

M. Diane Sherman, 70, of Julian, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at her home after a courageous and inspirational three year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her family and friends during her final days. They are comforted, knowing that Diane is now resting peacefully with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His Kingdom, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or suffering. Born Nov. 18, 1942, in Jamestown, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Bertil and Elizabeth (Sword) Lundgren, of Sugar Grove. Diane received her nursing degree from Rochester General Hospital. She joined the Air Force and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, devoting most of her service to her country in Taiwan. Upon her return, she compassionately cared for others in various nursing capacities in Jamestown, N.Y., and State College, until her retirement. A tireless servant to her family and others, Diane was a member of State College Christian Church (SCCC), and was a two time mission volunteer to SCCC's Haven of Hope school in Zambia. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and sewing. She is survived by her husband, Dale Sherman, of Julian; four children, Kimberley Wood (Scott), of Slippery Rock, Randall Sherman (Paula), of Bellefonte, Laura Rush (Benjamin), of Boalsburg, and Matthew Sherman, of Julian; one brother, Dennis Lundgren, of Hoschton, Ga.; two sisters, Carol Widrig, of Westfield, N.Y., and Janice Nuber, of Erie; and six beautiful grandchildren whom she adored, Brittany, Morgan, Spencer, Joelle, Julia, and Grace. Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A funeral service will be on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 1250 University Drive, State College, with Pastor Vince Smith officiating. A former long-time resident of Boalsburg, Diane will be interred at Boalsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Diane's name may be made to either Haven of Hope Ministry, www.havenofhopezambia.org or to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Online condolences and signing of the guest can be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com. May her memory be eternal.