September 29, 1941 — May 17, 2022
Actress / Westminster Choir College Professor
Born in Devon, England to James and Joyce Wharton on September 29, 1941, Diana Joy Crane was a caring wife, mother, granny, teacher, and friend. She left this world suddenly on May 17, at the age of 80.
An actress and retired college professor, Diana spent her life giving joy and comfort to others. Countless former students, colleagues, friends, and family have been on the receiving end of Diana’s gifts. Her neighbors in Princeton and later the Cherry Valley section of Montgomey Township were also acquainted with her grace and charm. She most recently lived in The Woodlands, Texas.
Affectionately known as Lady Green Eyes, Diana entertained countless people from the stage during her days with the Princeton Cabaret. Her cheeky, British humor and brilliant theatrical performances often brought the house down with laughter. She sang songs like “Nobody Loves a Fairy When She’s Forty,” “Send in the Clones,” “The Warthog,” and “Hard-Hearted Hannah” and often had her audience in stitches with her comedic timing.
Later in life, her lovely English accent was heard by many taking the Toefl exam, as she was hired for voice work by well-known testing company ETS. Additionally, Diana’s work as a dialect coach benefited many professionals in the entertainment industry.
Diana grew up in London and completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Leicester and her master’s degree at the University of London. Diana’s pride was in her work at Westminster Choir College, where she taught German, French, and Theater to budding opera singers and shared her passion for learning with thousands of students. A scholarship was created in her honor to provide students the opportunity to study abroad.
Her joyful, compassionate, and bubbly personality was contagious to everyone she met, and she will be missed by many. Diana is survived by her husband, Giles; her daughter, Gillian, and son-in-law, Ed Roberson; her daughter, Rebecca, and son-in-law Matthew Kim; and her grandchildren, Sarah and Ellen Kim; her step-grandchildren Molly and Josh Roberson, and her granddogs Kirby, Waffles, McKenzie and Bingo. Diana’s family will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives in service to others.
In lieu of flowers, please take the time to contact a former teacher who made a difference in your life and thank them for their efforts.
