Mrs. Diane Louise Hardon Wangelin – Greensboro, N.C.
Mrs. Diane Louise Hardon Wangelin died on Dec. 25, 2020, at Beacon Place in Greensboro, N.C. She was 73 years old. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Due to COVID-19, the service will be private. A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held in summer 2021. Details will be announced at a later date. Diane was born in Donora, where she completed her early education and high school years at St. Dominic’s Catholic School. She completed her bachelor’s degree at West Virginia University and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Inspired by an undergraduate internship experience working at Western State School and Hospital in Pennsylvania, Diane went on to complete a master’s degree in education at WVU and pursued doctoral courses in the special education field. She married Dr. Robert L. Wangelin on Dec. 27, 1972. While raising their two children, Chris and Bethany, Diane was always an active volunteer in their school and church communities. After their family settled in Greensboro, Diane operated a successful private tutoring business for many years. She went on the join the staff of McIver Education Center in 1997, where she taught students with cognitive and emotional disabilities, retiring in 2010. In addition to her innovative work in the classroom, Diane served as a mentor to newly minted educators in the Guilford County school system during her tenure with McIver. Diane has always been known by her family and friends for her dedication to teaching and learning. An avid reader, planner and organizer who was tirelessly committed to helping those in need, Diane positively impacted the lives of countless others, particularly children. Among those little minds most impacted by her nurturing presence were her five grandchildren, who spent countless hours by her side creating artwork, learning their way around her kitchen, enjoying her delicious mac & cheese and honing an early mastery of reading and math skills with her skillful guidance. Her absence is intensely felt by her grandchildren, though the lessons instilled during her life will not soon be forgotten. Similarly, unlikely to be forgotten is her signature Christmas tradition of baking scores of exquisite cookies that were shared and enjoyed by friends and neighbors every holiday season for over 40 years. Her family is particularly thankful for the coveted cookie recipes, filled with Diane’s helpful tips and substitutions, passed along to her daughter Bethany to continue the tradition for years to come. Diane’s tenacity in the face of any challenge was especially evident in her fight against cancer, this was exceeded only by her strong faith. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Bernard Hardon and Anna Florence (Span) Hardon. She is survived by her husband Robert “Bob” Wangelin; her son, Christopher Clinton Wangelin (Katie McAlister Wangelin) of Greensboro; her daughter, Bethany Caitlin Wangelin Frye (Gerald Coulter Frye) of Charleston, S.C.; and five grandchildren: Lily Wangelin (age 10), Siler Wangelin (age 8), Kenney Wangelin (age 8), Vera Frye (age 3) and Sam Frye (age 6 months). She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care and unwavering support provided by the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Beacon Place and AuthoraCare Hospice in Greensboro, neighbors and friends and to Donna Guinard, who transported Diane between Greensboro and Baptist countless times. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the The Enrichment Fund for Guilford County Schools (P.O. Box 10208 Greensboro, NC 27404), supporting innovation and creativity in teaching. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
