Say Hey to Diana …
How long have you lived at the First Coast?
I have lived (as a retired adult) in Atlantic Beach for 17 years. As a child, teen and young woman, 11 years.
Where do you live now?
I live in Atlantic Beach.
What was your first job?
I worked as a secretary in the Public Relations Department at Southern Bell telephone company in Jacksonville.
Have you ever met anyone famous?
Yes, I even danced with Joe Namath when I was attending the University of Alabama. Also nearly ran into Ed Sullivan on Park Avenue in NYCity…he was exiting his apartment building sporting pink hair (the doorman said he had attempted to die his hair blonde) and I wasn’t looking where I was going.
What are you reading right now?
The Florida Times Union and a novel by Sandra Cisneros, “Caramelo.” Both great reads.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?
Bike riding.
Who’s someone you really admire?
Joe Biden, Donna Deegan, Joshua Hicks
Seen any good movies lately you’d recommend?
Two best movies–Clint Eastwood directed–Gran Torino and The Mule.
Got any favorite quotes?
“It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men. Samuel Adams (1722-1803)
Been pleasantly surprised by anything lately?
beautiful, calm, swimmable Atlantic Ocean
What was your favorite band 10 years ago?
Still the Beatles
What’s your earliest memory?
playing in the sandbox in my grandmother’s back yard,,,baking “pies” from sand with my little sister
Been anywhere recently for the first time?
South Jacksonville Beach
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Always keeping our bonds strong by “being there” for each other
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
my mother
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
don’t remember for sure, but probably a bra
What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
re-learn how to ride a two-wheel bicycle
Seen anything lately that made you smile?
butterflies in my yard
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
Two–Jamaica and Cuba
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet?
Nope
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Love who you are
How do you like your eggs?
poached
Do you have a favorite charity you wish more people knew about?
Family Promise (here in Jacksonville)
Got any phobias you’d like to break?
fear of heights
Have you returned anything you’ve purchased recently? Why?
no
Do you collect anything?
shells and shark’s teeth
What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?
Post’s “Great Grains”
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
3 Responses
Dear Glenn,
My sister, Diana died March 26 unexpectedly and I had only recently seen your November interview with her. Thank you so much for this gift of so many things I didn’t know about her, like her fondest memory Your interview was an amazing gift to me and I cherish every word of it. She loved and lived life to its fullest and always helped anyone she could just as she always helped me growing up. And you helped me to love her even more.
I am so very grateful,
Her little sister in the sandbox
Hi Ebba,
I got your email address from Glenn Shuck.
I am a neighbor who lived down the street from Diana (Glenn lives on the next block over). He had to go out of town for a few days and asked if I would forward to Diana’s family a couple of links. One you’ve apparently already seen- but not sure you saw the article Diana wrote. They are attached.
I am also attaching a couple of pictures I had of Diana. (Pics are with Glenn and Nancy Decandis…and I’m with her in a selfie when we were waving signs.). She was so cool! We got to know each other when we were fighting the Gate gas station going up at the end of our street. She was always such a bright light! Super smart, thoughtful and loads of fun :). And always a smile on her face!
And don’t you know there are a ton of kids who’ve grown up to be better humans because they had her as a teacher?!! She made the world a better a place and my life was more enriched because she was in it.
She is missed. I hope your memories comfort you and your family at this sad time. I’m thinking she’s having a grand old time- reunited with Owen with an adult cocktail in hand :)….and a big ole smile on her sweet face!
My sincere condolences.
Blessings!
Betsy Cosgrove
Thank you so much for this, Betsy. The pictures are great! She did have a good time! I might have met you at some point on a visit. I really loved that interview and never knew her fondest memory was our very early childhood cooking ‘pancakes’ in the sandbox at Granny’s. Reading Diana’s article on Atlantic Beach was just like being there 70 years ago, down to the nickels and quarters all spent for sodas and banana splits at Pinky’s ..we had to split 2 ways sometimes, fighting always over the whipped cream.
Please tell Glenn I’m am so sorry for the many repeats I just discovered in my sent folder… 2021 tech keeps leaping out of my 79 year old 20th century Ability Box. My six year old grandson is way ahead of me.
Thank you for sharing all of these things I missed. Your time and thoughtfulness is very very much appreciated.
God bless you and Glenn and Nancy,
Ebba Townsend
In Virginia