Diana Rose Harvey (Lightell), 65, passed away March 6. She was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing. She was born on Oct. 19, 1944, in New Orleans, La., to Margaret Mary Lightell (Bourgeois) and Herman Lightell, and she was married to Clark Lee Harvey April 13, 1964, in Riverside, Calif.

Diana is survived by her son, Les L. Harvey (wife Rena); daughters, Lori L. Mackesey (husband Bill) and Lisa L. Dew (husband Roy); grandchildren, Joshua C. Harvey, Thomas J. Price, Kyle W. Mackesey, Alyssa L. Mackesey, Nicole R. Dew, and Alex R. Dew; and brothers, David Lightell and Stephen Lightell. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Diana Harvey loved her family and friends. Having her kids, parents, brothers and all their families around her was her idea of heaven. Whether it was at her home, at a friend’s or neighbor’s, or camping at the river, the more people around, the merrier. But even when she and Clark would travel as a couple, she was happy and satisfied being with her one true love. Diana’s career as a medical coder at Hemet Valley Hospital and her many trips to the river and Mexico helped her to make lifelong friends, whom she cherished.

Diana was always at the core of the family, being the voice of reason, without judgment. Her belief in God helped her to keep her faith that everything would turn out for the best. Her ever-caring demeanor and ability to remember and share all of her stories (travels, friendships, family…) made her a pleasure to have around. There was never a quiet moment when Diana came for a visit.

Camping came as second nature to Diana (how could it not, when she was married to Clark). No one planned and prepared for a trip to the river better than her. Her coolers were packed with just the right foods, never too much, always enough, and layered in order of what was to be eaten first. And of course no room for ice — the right placement of the frozen food did that. Camping, cruising and traveling took Diana and her family across the country, including Maine, Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Hawaii, and internationally to Canada, Mexico and Central America.

Diana’s relaxation time was filled with a variety of activities. Reading anything from Stephen King, listening to music or attending an Elton John, Billy Joel or the latest American Idol concert helped her keep her youthful outlook on life. Raising her kids in Idyllwild to be independent and able to cook a few meals from the Betty Crocker Cookbook or a family friend’s recipe made for many memorable times (cooking, as well as eating). Diana also loved to spend time with her family and friends over a good TV show, computer game or puzzle. When Gizmo came along, he spent a lot of that time with her, glued to her side, barking at the TV louder than anyone else.

Diana and Clark retired to the river (Lake Havasu City) in 2001, with the plan of fishing, camping, hunting, visiting family and friends, traveling and loving each other for many, many years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother as well as a cherished and loving friend, sister and aunt; a special blessing to all who knew her.

Diana’s quick and surprising death reminds us all to live every moment as if it were the last one, and to never let the day end without telling your loved ones how special they are. Diana, we will miss you.

A memorial service is planned for March 20, at 1 p.m. Mountain Time at Lake Havasu Mortuary at 2225 Kiowa Blvd. North, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the East Bay, attn: Bruns House (www.hospiceeastbay.org).