Diane Wickham

Diane Wickham (née Denny) died peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2026, in Herkimer, New York. She was born on July 30, 1937, in Orange, New Jersey, to William and Eleanore Denny and spent her early years in nearby Nutley. The family moved to Gilboa, NY, where she graduated from Gilboa-Conesville Central High School in 1955, and then to Stamford, NY, which was home for most of her adult life.

Mom and Dad (J. Thomas) were married in Stamford Presbyterian Church on September 10,1960. During their 25 years together, they brought four children into the world and for most of that time they lived on “The Hill” at Four Winds Farm, the Wickham family’s cauliflower farm. She was an avid reader, gardener, bird feeder, dog walker, and maker of countless jars of jams, jellies, and applesauce. She loved gatherings of family and friends, often among the summer fuchsias on the porch, and she treasured the view of Township Valley at sunrise and sunset.

Mom studied music and voice at Hartwick College, learned the clarinet as a young person, and played the piano until she no longer was able. She was conversant in opera, pop, symphony, and even a little classic rock. She encouraged that eclectic musical love in her children. School choir and school band were required, participation in school musicals encouraged, and most of us learned piano. As an early member of The Friends of Music of Stamford, Mom helped organize a diverse and high-level array of concerts, sharing her love of music with the community. In every place she lived there were boxes of LPs, cassettes, or CDs and the equipment to play them.

While raising a family, mom endured and recovered from a series of serious health challenges, the effects of which remained for the rest of her life. While these trials affected her deeply, her faith was her strength. She was an active choir member, teacher, children and youth leader, and just-about-everything-else at Hobart Presbyterian Church. After her children fledged, she followed a call to ministry as a Commissioned Lay Preacher of the Susquehanna Valley Presbytery. In that capacity, she served at Margaretville-New Kingston Presbyterian Church and as a leader in local and regional church affairs.

Mom’s physical health in her later years required a move to Robinson Terrace Assisted Living in Stamford. Her final residence was at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. Despite limited mobility, her love of people became a new routine: walking the halls, visiting with neighbors, and checking in with staff and residents alike. She knew everyone’s name and their stories. We are grateful to the staff, volunteers, and residents at both facilities who shared love and friendship and gave her great care and support.

Mom was the second oldest of seven children. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her brothers Bill (Vicki), Neil (Nancy), and David (Carol). Her surviving siblings are Linda (Jim), Jean, and Jim (Denise). She is survived by her four children (and their father): Tom (Mary Ellen), Laurena (Rich), Joanne (Wayne), and Jonathan (Jennifer) and her grandchildren David, Patrick, and Ian. Among her many surviving nieces and nephews, Mom enjoyed a special relationship with Gov and Jamie (Ben), and their children Kenzey and Logan. We appreciate their visits, and all the love and support she received from friends and family around the country.

The funeral service will be on September 16th at 10:30am at The First Presbyterian Church of Stamford. The private burial will be at Locust Hill Cemetery in Hobart at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to The Friends of Music of Stamford NY (www.friendsmusic.org).