Sophomore year in college, Diane was the first one of us to turn 20. She told us, “I can’t believe I’m twenty! I’ll just keep telling everyone I’m only 19!”

Diane was always a problem solver and an innovator. Once, when we were living in the trailer senior year (Diane’s first year of grad school), she made tuna salad; and, since we were out of celery, she used hot dogs instead!

Diane finished undergrad in three years, so our senior year, she was doing her first year of graduate school. We overheard her talking on the phone, telling someone, “I’ll never live with undergraduates again.!” I guess Tracy and I were a little too rowdy but we teased her a lot about that! 

Much love and sweet birthday wishes to you, Diane! Once again you are leading the gang into a new decade of adventures and friendship. ❤️

Love,

Amy

Happy 70th Dr. Sheng!!  I’m so grateful for you and the love you’ve given me (and the whole Peters gang) over the years.  We cherish your family as an extension of our own, and I’m most thankful that you never gave up on me when we were young and dumb 🙂

Sending so much love to you on this milestone birthday and can’t wait to celebrate with you in-person soon.

Casey

Dear Diane –

How can it be that you are turning 70….because if that’s true, it means that I’m not far behind you!  YIKES!  When I told my Mom today that you are soon celebrating your 70^th, she was adamant that I was wrong and said that you are 40 “at most.”  I won’t argue with Rita!

As the eldest of the Mao cousins, you’ve always been – and continue to be – a trailblazer, role model, and the epitome of strength, smarts, athleticism, fierce determination, grace, and caring.  We are blessed to call you family and, following in the footsteps of the elder Mao generation, I wish you another 30 to 40 years of happiness, health, and fulfillment.  Afterall, 70s is the new 50s!

Attached is a little reminder of our earlier days, probably circa 1959 or so!  In case you didn’t know, I coveted those yellow and black pedal pushers and was fortunate enough to inherit them after you grew out of them. LOL!

So, best wishes for a wonderful Birthday celebration with Stacy, Aaron, Corey, Lesley, and your grandbaby!  Wish I was closer to be able to join in the fun.

Sending lots of love and the hope that we can connect in person before too long….

Xoxo,

Margaret (and, of course, Rita too)

Dear Diane,

Thinking of you and wishing you a healthy and happy birthday. May all of your good and generous acts return to you in kind.

With warm regards, 

Deborah DiMicelli

“To Diane – The only person on the face of this earth who could tolerate both Kurt Peters and Victor Melmed on the sidelines of way too many hoop games!  A testament to your fortitude!  Sending love, strength and many more years of happiness.  XO – Sharon and Kurt

Our dearest Diane,

It doesn’t seem so long ago when I first met you as an intern in the Operations Research department in Bell Labs – Holmdel.  And it is only fitting that you live there now!

So many happy memories of you playing tennis (and beating almost all the guys).  We played each other a lot and I seemed to always squeak out a victory.  Until one day, several years ago, when I barely played, you challenged me and of course, walloped the old man.  I think you fell on your knees after match point and prayed!

Diane, we have so many beautiful memories of you and are truly grateful to count you as a dear and blessed friend.

Please have a wonderful 70th.

We love you so much!

Steve and Grace