Diane Brownell
Diane Brownell, 77, of Lincoln passed away Sept. 8, 2021 after a long illness.
Mrs. Brownell was born on Nov. 19, 1943 in Lancaster, PA, to J. Frank and Ellen (Diffenbach) Powl.
Mrs. Brownell grew up in Lancaster, PA, graduating from Manheim Township in Neffsville, PA, in 1961. She graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC in 1965, and later received her masters from Doane University in Lincoln, NE.
She married John R. Brownell on Aug. 14, 1969, in Grand Island, NE. Mrs. Brownell taught at Starr Elementary School in Grand Island until her retirement. She relocated to Lincoln after Mr. Brownell’s passing in 2005.
Mrs. Brownell was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother; a dedicated and compassionate teacher; and a kind and gracious friend. She put her children and grandchildren first and foremost. She loved to travel, enjoying winter trips to Florida, where she discovered new restaurants and adored the beach. She cherished her outings with her teacher friends. Mrs. Brownell was active in the Lincoln community where she briefly served on the Nebraska Humanities Council, participated in RAK, and the Woman’s Welcome Club. She also volunteered in the Morley Elementary Library. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
Survivors of the immediate family include her daughter, Sara Brownell; her son, Doug Brownell; her sister, Barbara Sahling; and her grandson, granddaughter, three nieces, and one nephew.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give/ or the community charity of the donor’s choice.
For condolences, please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Diane Brownell
Sara and Doug-
My thoughts are with you and the family. I am so lucky to have grown up knowing and loving Diane because of you. She was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. Sending hugs and so much love your way!
Emma
You have my deepest sympathy at Diane’s passing. I taught with her at Starr School. She was so much fun! I loved it when our Starr friends would go to Dannebrog for pizza. Diane was also a very dedicated and kind teacher. May God comfort you.
Sara, Doug, and family. I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. She was a very treasured friend of mine. I will never forget our years of teaching together, trips we both made to see each other, and glasses of wine that we drank. I’m just sorry that I wasn’t able to see her more often. I will miss her terribly but will always remember the good times. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Betsy Brouillette
Sara and Doug: Such wonderful memories of your family. We loved both your parents. Both so witty and funny. Your mom’s parties were legendary. The world is indeed poorer with this loss. Love to you from Mike and me.
Sara and Doug,
So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I met your mother about 7 years ago thru a mutual friend and I thought Diane was great fun. Her darling smile and pleasant attitude will be missed. I have thought about her many times over the past couple years and take some comfort in knowing she is at peace now,
Daylene Kollmorgen
My dear Sara and family,
Sending you much love and support during this difficult time of your loss. We only met Diane once, but she was a true delight, and so fortunate to have such a loving and dedicated daughter the last few trying years. I know she will be greatly missed by all.
We love you,
Lynette & Ken
Sara and Doug, We just heard about your mother’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person and a good friend. She soldiered on after your Dad’s passing and always had a great smile despite the loss I know she felt.