Diana Beer Obituary

Diana Beer

August 3, 1938 – December 14, 2024

Diana Wight Beer passed away at home on Saturday, December 14, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old.

Diana was born on August 3, 1938 to William and Dorothy McSwain Wight. Five years later, on her birthday, her brother Doug was born. They were constant companions for many years.

Diana grew up in Walnut Creek, CA, where she attended Las Lomas High School. She graduated in 1955, and then studied for a year at UC Berkeley. However, she then elected to pursue what became a 47-year career in the telecommunications industry, first with Pacific Bell, and later with AT&T. She started as an operator, worked her way up, ultimately becoming a supervisor and Project Manager.

Diana met Johnnie Beer in 1958, and they were married several years later. Son Johnnie Jr. was born in 1963 and daughter Jackie in 1968. After spending their first year as a married couple in Redding, CA, they bought their home in Concord, CA where the children grew up. Though Diana and Johnnie separated in 1980 they always remained friends and were very involved in their children's lives.

After Diana retired from AT&T, she decided to move to Grass Valley, CA, and she and Doug built a house on Reid Place in 1991. Wanting to be busy and helpful, Diana took a position with Sierra Services for the Blind, a local non-profit agency. She worked there for 10 years as an Administrator.

In 1994, she began the association that would stay with her for the rest of her life, as a member of the Nevada City Lions, ultimately becoming Treasurer of the organization. She and Doug travelled extensively with Lions Club International. As Doug rose to the rank of District Governor, she enjoyed being referred to as "First Sister."

She always enjoyed volunteerism and service, and performed a tremendous number of good works in Nevada County, including as a Foreperson for the Nevada County Grand Jury. Also, you could count on seeing her every year at the Taco Booth run by the Nevada City Lions at the Nevada County Fair.

She also was a member of the Buick Club of America, along with Doug and his vintage Rivieras.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her brother Doug in 2022. She is survived by her son Johnnie (Melinda), daughter Jackie (Jim), Grandchildren Shane (Ashley), Jessica, Jamie (Akasha), Alexandra (Torc) and Paul. Also great-grandchildren Karina, AJ, Travis and Ezra.

Donations in her memory would be appreciated to Lions Club International or to Hospice of the Foothills.