Diane Joyce Spengler's Obituary
Diane Joyce Spengler, 77, of Memphis, passed away on July 1, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.
She died peacefully with family by her side at Brightmore of East Memphis Assisted Living Home.
She is survived by her son Brendan Lee Spengler, daughters Marianne Spengler and Leia Spengler Baker (Andrew); grandsons Liam, Evan, and Rocco; sisters Christine Eriser (Joe) and Annemarie Gutierrez (Joe); and brothers Charles Hurley (Laurie) and Kelly Hurley (Romi).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ann Hurley, and her husband Leslie Spengler, whom she married in 1973 and was lovingly devoted to until his passing in July 2019.
Diane will be remembered for her generous heart, her long career as an educator, and her volunteer work in the Catholic Church. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, CA and spent a brief time in the Sisters of St. Louis Convent in Woodland Hills, CA before earning her degree from California State University, Fullerton. After teaching at a Catholic elementary school in LaVerne, CA, she moved to Germantown, TN with her husband Les and became the Director of the Mother's Day Out Program at Church of the Holy Spirit. She was actively involved with Holy Spirit Women's Group, Birthright of Memphis, Catholic Charities, and the organization of many fundraisers and spiritual gatherings.
Diane was a loving, supportive oldest sister, wife, mother, and grammy. She loved baking, especially for her grandsons, and taking family trips. She enjoyed gathering with family for holidays, especially Christmas, playing bunco, acquiring donations, and volunteering with Les and friends from church. She will be missed dearly.
Family and friends are invited to visit and pay respects at Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Mass will begin at 10am in the Batson Center with a reception immediately following.
Diane will later be interred next to Les in the columbarium at Church of the Incarnation.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Diane’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, or a charity of your choice.
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