From Eileen Barnard Goss

Hi D,

You have been an amazing friend for 15 years since we first met.  You took me on your USTA team and even planned backup if my train was late.  We roomed at the 2011 50+ Nationals and had a blast.  We have enjoyed book club, theater, dinners in our respective backyards, and lots of tennis.  You were donating to the Ukrainian family immediately.  I have been awed by your courage thru your treatment process.  No one else I know would be as positive as you are.  You live an exemplary life under all circumstances.  Happy 70th.  Hugs, Eileen

From David Tarver (in 2015):

“Ten things I learned from Diane Dwan Sheng:”

  1. Black coffee is best.
  2. Printed correspondence is more legible than longhand.
  3. In mixed doubles, a decent male and an excellent female will beat an excellent male and a decent female, unless the excellent female chokes.
  4. Stochastic processes is not my thing.
  5. Stanford is a nice place to visit, but I could never get work done there.
  6. That John McEnroe kid has some potential.
  7. The UCLA System Science Department sucks.
  8. Anne Murray and The Doobie Brothers are not bad.
  9. Most food can be consumed using two small sticks.
  10. Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park should be added to my bucket list.

I have admired and respected Diane since the summer of 1976, and her combination of brains, integrity, and athletic prowess is unsurpassed by anyone I have met.

From Jackie & Wale Akinpelu:

Diane,
It’s hard to believe that we have reached these life milestones. It seems like only yesterday when we met as young engineers at Bell Labs – before kids! You and David were some of our earliest friends in New Jersey and we have witnessed so many life events together. We are only sorry that we have not seen as much of you since we moved to Maryland.

We always admired your success at Bell Labs – and then how you left that behind to concentrate on being a Mom. Stacy and Aaron are both a testament to your dedication to them, and we know how extremely proud you must be.

We hope that you enjoyed the happiest of birthdays, and wish you many more to come.

Jackie and Wale

From Joanna Rees:

Diane, I only know you through your amazing daughter Stacy. Any mother who could create such a smart, caring, dynamic, individual is amazing herself. I feel your impact on her every day. I have so much admiration for what you have accomplished academically and professionally. Then to be an accomplished athlete from gymnastics to tennis! Just wow. We will all celebrate the day of your birth as a gift to the world. I hope to celebrate with you in person next year! XOXO Joanna

From Mao Tong:

Dear Diane, it was so good to see you on Saturday! I am also convinced that you have a great voice and can sing very well, and that is probably from our family traits. I am really grateful for the efforts of you, Stacy, Arron and Lucille to organize the memorial for Aunt Frances and it gave us an opportunity to express our love and appreciation for Aunt Frances and Uncle Gus. And it was inspirational! This is what we need during this challenging time. The strength of our extended family started with our parents across the globe, and it was boosted in particular by your visits to China, Stacy’s and Corey’s lovely time in Beijing, and your love and care for your parents, family and many others. Even though we don’t see each other very often, we (including my parents and sisters) all feel this strength and connection. I am sure your therapy will go well and you will recover soon. I am sure of it by the way you sang songs on Saturday! You also have all of our strong support, as always!

Happy Birthday! Love, Mao Tong

From Grace Chen:

When I think of Diane I think of Integrity ,humility ,generosity snd compassion for others !!!
I also think of the term “ renaissance “ woman !!! She may have invented it ?!!
Diane intuitively knows the “right“ thing to do snd never questions whether it is deserving or convenient or … she just reacts with conscience and kindness because it is the “ right” thing to do !
Her professional accomplishments are recognized not because she talks about them but because other people praise her ! Whether on the ski slopes, tennis courts ,gymnastic floors or golf courses ! Diane is a strong fierce force and when she sponsors her charities-personal and political she does so with determination and dedication !! The students she tutors are blessed and motivated by her knowledge and her support !! When Diane loves she loves fiercely !!!!
When she knows a friend is hurting she comforts them with the gentlest words and profoundly kind actions – a visit ,a wall hanging ,a supportive smile ,a helping hand ,,, Diane is truly to me a quiet hero one whose years of friendship I reference often in my difficult times .
I have often asked myself when facing some life challenges “ what would Diane do “ ?
Happy happy birthday my dear friend and please continue to live your life with that unique determination and steady fight that borderlines on a spiritual quest !!! I love you I admire you I respect you deeply !!!!
Love – grace

From Steve Chen:

I have known Diane ever since she was an intern at Bell Labs in the mid-70’s. She was cheery and a welcome sight among the “old geezers” in the Operations Research department. One of my earliest memories is Diane describing her legs which were featured in a nylon stockings commercial. I think she said she was a gymnast and an ad agency noticed her. Talk about a conversation from right field!!!

Later when she joined the Labs full-time, we were amazed at her energy and enthusiasm. An avid skier, tennis player (she always wanted to beat me and finally did many years ago), and runner. We spent many hours together watching Stacy and Aaron grow, seeing David build his company, and just enjoying being with them.

Most of all, we were in awe of her integrity and loyalty, especially to her friends and family. It has truly been an honor for us to know Diane and we love her very much and wish her good health.

Peace be with you all,
Stephen

From Sue Kapit:

Hey Diane,
Happy Happy Birthday. Wishing you nothing but the best. I hope you feel good and enjoy your family. I am truly the lucky one, I have known you for many years and the last few years I got to play on one of your teams. Finally !!!
Enjoy your day celebrating. No one deserves it more.
Love Ya,
Sue Kapit